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Homemade rakhis, handmade gifts and virtual rituals: Siblings find creative ways to celebrate Raksha Bandhan

Festivals are usually the time when we get together with our loved ones to meet, greet, relive old memories and create new ones. But the Covid-19 pandemic has changed the way we celebrate festivals. With social distancing measures, lockdown rules and travel restrictions still in place, people have had to come up with innovative ideas to celebrate Raksha Bandhan this year.




Rakhis made at home are safe and a fun family activity

For many sisters, the hunt for the perfect rakhi begins weeks before Raksha Bandhan. Sushmita Goud, an engineering student in Narsingi says, “Every year, I send a rakhi to my brother who works in Bengaluru after searching for the perfect rakhi for days on end. This time,I decided to make a rakhi myself. Since my college is closed, I had ample time to watch DIY videos and I made a pearl rakhi. I just hope my brother doesn’t lose it like he does every year.”

Parents are also encouraging their little ones to create rakhis at home as it is risky to step out at this time. Latha Sen from Gachibowli says, “To keep my kids engaged during the lockdown, I have been teaching them how to make vases, toys etc. with clay. For Raksha Bandhan, I asked my five-year-old daughter to make a rakhi for her brother with clay. She made the rakhi and I coloured it. As brothers are supposed to give a gift to their sisters on Raksha Bandhan, my son made a flower vase for his sister.”


Celebrating the festival virtually

With many siblings stuck in different cities or continents, Raksha Bandhan celebrations will take place on video calls. Magunta Vandana, an IT employee in Hydernagar says, “My brother, who works in Kakinada, always comes home for Raksha Bandhan but since itis a containment zone now, it is impossible for him to travel. So I decided to celebrate the festival over video call. I will show him the rakhi on screen and ask him to eat a piece of chocolate or sweet if he has any at his place. Once things get better, I’ll make sure to collect my gift from him.”


Most brothers are also excited thinking about what’s in store for them this Raksha Bandhan. Saket Sinha from Ranchi who stays in Resham Bagh says, “My sister recently informed me that she was unable to send the rakhi so I told her that I won’t be getting any gifts for her. But she is not the one to give up so easily. She came up with a plan to celebrate Raksha Bandhan virtually and I am excited to see how it pans out. Seems like you can never escape buying gifts for your sister, even in the middle of a pandemic.”

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