Virtual Rakhi is bridging pandemic distance

With Covid making travel and physical meetings difficult, this unique festival celebrating the love between siblings has moved online

- Sonam Joshi

Rakshabandhan was always celebrated in a grand manner in Rudra Mohan’s home, with all his cousins and aunts in attendance. But last year when his 71-year-old father couldn’t meet his five sisters due to Covid restrictions, he decided to organise a get-together on Zoom for four generations of the family. Three days later, his father passed away. “My aunts and relatives were thankful for that Rakhi gathering as they had got a chance to see him one last time,” says the Delhi-based dentist.

Rakshabandhan is an occasion for siblings to connect with each other. But since many are rightfully prioritising safety, virtual celebrations and gifts have replaced the physical ceremony.

Last August, Lucknow-based Anurita Banerjee decided to have a virtual Rakshabandhan for her newborn son and sister’s daughter instead of travelling to meet them in Mumbai. “My sister and I didn’t get to celebrate Rakhi while growing up but were excited that we finally had a chance to do so,” she says. Since they couldn’t meet in person, the sisters sent gifts and enacted the rakhi tying ceremony on a WhatsApp video call. This year, they’ve got matching brother-sister T-shirts for their kids to add to the festive mood. “It isn’t the same as meeting in person but if we are alive and healthy, we will get the opportunity to celebrate it next year,” says Banerjee.