Whether it is jam-packed traffic or its tech-savvy culture, Bengaluru is never not in the news. The city’s blend of traditional cultural values and incredibly fast tech advancements has once again caught
the internet’s attention after a local saree shop casually used a ChatGPT-style prompt in its display advertisement.
On Tuesday, August 5, an image of the store’s creative mobile ad design grabbed attention, with X users left stunned by the AI interface asking, “Why is Varamahalakshmi festival celebrated?” on a ChatGPT screen. The screenshot acted as a unique way to promote the saree shop ahead of the upcoming Varamahalakshmi festival on August 8, when women in South India flock to shopping stores and buy the traditional Indian sarees in large numbers.
Local saree shop in Bangalore using ChatGPT mobile interface for an ad is a first.
Earlier it would be the Google search bar design.
Just Bangalore things I guess. pic.twitter.com/TA5664tJAs
— Osborne Saldanha (@os7borne) August 5, 2025
AI-Based Saree Shop Display Grabs Attention
The unique AI-based advertisement for a saree shop was bound to raise eyeballs on the internet, as users reacted to the viral post and came up with interesting takes. Some called it a fresh spin on digital marketing, with the ChatGPT ad replacing the once-trendy Google search bar-style ads placed outside shops.
“Local saree shop in Bangalore using ChatGPT mobile interface for an ad is a first. Earlier, it would be the Google search bar design. Just Bangalore things, I guess,” wrote the user who shared the image on Twitter. In the comment section, a user suggested this shop also offers modern fintech features to entice more customers in the digital era.
“This saree shop has a lot of cool fin features: 1. BNPL 2. Pay for 11 months & get an extra month’s money free to buy a saree Etc,” claimed the user, who highlighted the scheme that encourages locals to regularly visit the store.
ChatGPT Display Ad Raised Comparisons With Another Viral Incident
For internet users, the display evoked comparisons to another viral incident from Bengaluru, when recently an auto driver was caught watching a Naval Ravikant podcast while navigating traffic on the busy road. The image resonated with city residents, with many hailing it as a “peak Bengaluru” moment. Like the ChatGPT display advertisement outside a saree shop, this auto driver’s ability to manage traffic without missing out on the podcast reflected Bengaluru’s ability to mix innovation, intellect and hustle culture.
