This Rakhi, don’t forget to tie that mask to face

College students walk past a wall mural with a message reading ‘Stop coronavirus’, in Mumbai. Pic/AFP

In the light of all the recent gloom wrought by the COVID pandemic, the bad news, restrictions on mobility and uncertainty about our immediate future, festivals bring
some joy, hope and at least a semblance of normalcy to some that one day we can go back to the world we knew.

Mumbai readies for Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi with families across making plans to mark it in different ways. We have to remember that celebrations have to be mixed with safety. That is the way we need to mark festivals in this time, hemmed in though we feel, different it may be, and not as fun.

Those planning get-togethers even at home need to restrict people just for an abundance of caution, if nothing else. If you have a guest or two at home, or more, the importance of masks, host and guests cannot be overemphasised. This is necessary, and should not be considered rude or embarrassing in any way. It may be uncomfortable and posing for that family, brother-sister pictures with masks may be different but we must put safety over selfies and go with what makes most sense when a third wave of the outbreak is looming large.

There will be plenty of pressure from family and friends to come over to celebrate or not be a wet blanket. However, if there are misgivings or genuine fears, then it is better to be away, or even mark the day in a virtual manner. It is a poor substitute for physical presence, but it may be necessary because of the times.

Use sound sense and observe guidelines on this day of tradition and happiness. Factor in hygiene, handwashing and distancing. This Raksha Bandhan, like all festivals, is different. Let us accept, observe and understand that the narrative does change in an upended world.