Over the past several months, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused devastation across the globe. Now, as things open up, people are stepping out cautiously as life starts going back to normal. August is the beginning of the festive period in India and the government has urged people to scale down celebrations this year. Tomorrow, siblings across India will observe
Raksha Bandhan, a popular festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters.
Television stars we spoke to admitted that while celebrations will be low-key this year, they were looking forward to the special occasion, which they would observe in their unique way.
Actress Tanya Sharma, who known for starring in TV shows such as ‘Saath Nibhana Saathiya’ and ‘Udaan’, plans to make a handmade
rakhi
for her sister (actress) Kreetika Sharma. Kreetika featured in ‘Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai.’ Tanya says, “I am going to make a
rakhi
this time for my sister and I believe that she is also making one for me. We don't have a brother, so we thought of tying a
rakhi
to each other. We share a close bond and are more like friends. Both of us are protective of each other and while there are times when we fight, it is always fun to have my sister around.”
Kajal Pisal, who has been a part of shows such as ‘Bade Achhe Lagte Hain’ and ‘Savitri Devi College & Hospital’, is missing her brothers, who live in Dubai. The siblings plan to celebrate Raksha Bandhan this year via a video call. She says, “I’m missing my brothers a lot and this year, I will tie a virtual
rakhi
to them. Every year, either I visit them or they visit me, and we are always together on this day. All three of us are emotional and protective of each other. I have made a
rakhi
for them as I didn't want to step out and I will be showing it to them on a video call.”
‘Naagin Bhagya Ka Zehreela Khel’ actress Geetanjali Tikekar is also missing her brothers Shrinivas and Surendranath, who are based in Pune and Bangalore respectively. She says, “I have the world’s best brothers. I won't be able to meet them due to the COVID-19 situation. But I have sent them gifts and rachis, and we will connect via video calls. I always prefer handmade
rakhis
for my brothers as it shows my love towards them.”