Raksha Bandhan, or Rakhi, one of north India’s biggest festivals falls tomorrow (Aug. 3). As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread across the country, this festival which celebrates sibling bonds where many brothers and sisters won’t be meeting in large family parties or even small lunches and dinners will be a low-key affair this year. Even the sale of Rakhis that peak ahead of the festival has seen a sharp decline.

Photo shows women purchasing Rakhis at Shivarampet this morning.