
New Delhi, December 17, 2025: A peculiar and somewhat baffling sight has been documented in a viral video, showing numerous bottles filled with red liquid placed or hung outside several houses in Jodhpur. The footage, which has been widely shared across social media in December 2025, has triggered intense curiosity and a wave of speculation among netizens. While the practice appears mysterious or even ritualistic at first glance, the reported reason behind the “red bottles” is surprisingly practical, albeit controversial.
The viral video, reportedly filmed by a confused passerby, captures a quiet residential street where nearly every house is seen with a plastic bottle containing a bright red fluid. The uniformity of the practice across multiple households led many viewers to initially suspect a local festival or a specific religious ritual. However, as the video gained traction, local residents and internet commenters began to offer a much more “down-to-earth” explanation.
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According to numerous local accounts and social media discussions, the red bottles are being used as a DIY deterrent for stray animals. It is a common belief in various parts of India, including Jodhpur and Kanpur, that dogs and cats are repelled by the sight of colored water.While the practice is cheap and harmless, it has been noted by veterinarians and animal behaviorists that there is no scientific evidence to suggest that colored water effectively repels strays. Experts point out that dogs rely far more on their sense of smell than on color perception to navigate their environment.
The video has prompted a mixed reaction from the online community, ranging from amusement to skepticism. Many users labeled the practice as a “classic Indian hack” or a harmless superstition, while others were quick to “roast” the idea.
Comments such as “Does it work on vampires too?” and comparisons to “magic tricks” flooded the comment sections. Despite the lack of scientific backing, the “red bottle” trend continues to spread via word-of-mouth in neighborhoods troubled by the mess left by stray populations. The viral clip ultimately highlights the creative—and often bizarre—methods communities adopt to manage the challenges of urban cohabitation with street animals.