Downpour fails to dampen festive spirit

A sudden spell of heavy rain lashed the city around 1 pm on Saturday, flooding streets and catching many residents off guard. Though umbrellas flipped and shopfronts shuttered briefly, the city’s festive spirit remained undeterred as siblings were seen celebrating Raksha Bandhan with gusto.

From Model Town to Ghumar Mandi, women were seen braving the downpour with drenched gift bags for celebrating Raksha Bandhan.

“I came all the way from Jalandhar just to be with my brother on Saturday. Rain or no rain, Raksha Bandhan is about the bond between siblings — not the weather,” said Simran Kaur while smiling in drenched clothes as she stepped out of her car near Pakhowal Road.

The downpour, which began abruptly around 1 pm, lasted for nearly an hour and led to waterlogging in several low-lying areas, including Dugri, old city areas and parts of Ferozepur Road. Commuters faced delays as the traffic was moving at a slow pace in key intersections.

“We recorded over 35 mm rain in less than an hour,” said PAU’s Agro-Meteorology Department, adding that more showers were expected over the weekend.

Despite the disruptions, sweet shops remained busy and people continued to perform Raksha Bandhan rituals indoors. Many men were seen picking up their sisters from bus stands and railway stations while carrying umbrellas in hand.

“Rain can drench clothes, not emotions. Rakhi is about memories, laughter and love — and Ludhiana knows how to celebrate, come what may,” said Harshdeep Singh, a college student who hosted his cousins for celebrating the festival.

As the skies cleared by late afternoon, the city resumed its festive rhythm — tying of rakhis and sharing sweets, celebrating the sacred bond of love between brothers and sisters.