A Festival of Bonds Meets a Storm of Challenges

Raksha Bandhan 2025 Dampened – Raksha Bandhan, the cherished Hindu festival celebrating the sacred bond between siblings, arrived this year on Saturday, August 9, 2025. Families across India prepared for rituals, reunions, and heartfelt exchanges. Traditionally marked by sisters tying a Rakhi on their brothers’ wrists, the day is steeped in love, protection, and familial warmth.

But in Delhi-NCR, the festive spirit collided with nature’s fury. Heavy overnight rains lashed the region, triggering widespread waterlogging, traffic snarls, and flight disruptions, leaving thousands stranded or scrambling to adjust their plans.

Rainfall Breakdown: A Deluge Before Dawn

The downpour began late Friday night and intensified into Saturday morning. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi recorded 78.7 mm of rain at Safdarjung, while Pragati Maidan saw 100.3 mm. Other areas like Lodhi Road and Pusa also reported significant rainfall.

The IMD issued a Red Alert for Delhi and parts of NCR, including Gurgaon, Noida, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad, forecasting continued thunderstorms and heavy rain through the weekend.

Traffic Chaos: Waterlogged Roads and Closed Underpasses

The rain wreaked havoc on Delhi’s infrastructure. Key stretches such as Mathura Road, RK Puram, Moti Bagh, Kidwai Nagar, and Panchkuian Marg were submerged, causing bumper-to-bumper traffic and forcing commuters to abandon vehicles or wade through knee-deep water.

The Zakhira Underpass was closed due to flooding, and the Delhi Traffic Police issued advisories urging commuters to avoid Old GT Road, Azad Market Railway Underpass, and Ram Bagh Road. Diversions were set up, but congestion persisted throughout the morning.

In Gurgaon, areas like IFFCO Chowk turned into makeshift water parks. Noida’s Sector 62, Mahamaya Flyover, and Baraula faced similar conditions, with traffic crawling and pedestrians struggling to navigate flooded sidewalks.

Flight Disruptions: Over 200 Flights Affected

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) saw over 200 flights delayed, with 182 outbound and 30 inbound flights affected due to poor visibility and waterlogging near the airport.

Airlines including IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Air India issued advisories urging passengers to check flight statuses and allow extra travel time. While no major diversions were reported, the ripple effect caused delays across domestic and international routes.

Watch the coverage here: Raksha Bandhan 2025 Rain Disruption

Rakhi Celebrations: From Rituals to Resilience

Despite the weather, families tried to uphold Raksha Bandhan traditions. The Shubh Muhurat for tying Rakhi was between 5:47 AM and 1:24 PM, and many households managed to perform the rituals indoors.

Markets had been bustling in the days leading up to the festival, with AI-generated greetings, Labubu-themed Rakhis, and plantable eco-friendly threads dominating trends. Quick-commerce platforms like Zepto and Instamart reported record sales, peaking just before the rains hit.

However, for many, the celebrations were scaled down or postponed. Social media was flooded with messages like “Rakhi plans ruined by rain” and “Waiting for the water to drain so bhaiya can come home.”

Safety Concerns and Infrastructure Woes

The rains exposed Delhi-NCR’s fragile urban infrastructure. The Delhi Fire Services received multiple calls about wall collapses, including one in Hari Nagar. Rescue operations were underway.

Residents in Noida’s Sector 19 reported flooding in ground-floor homes, while Gurgaon’s municipal teams were deployed to clear waterlogged zones. The Yamuna River rose to 204.40 meters, nearing the warning level.

Social Media Reactions: Frustration and Humour

Delhiites turned to humor to cope. Memes comparing Gurgaon’s streets to Venice and sarcastic posts about “Delhi’s new swimming lanes” went viral. One user quipped, “Rakhi 2025: Celebrated with umbrellas and gumboots.”

Others expressed concern over the lack of preparedness: “Every year it rains, and every year we ask, where’s the drainage plan?”

What’s Next: Weather Forecast and Travel Tips

The IMD predicts continued rainfall across Delhi-NCR until August 14, with intermittent showers and gusty winds up to 40 km/h. Temperatures are expected to hover between 23°C and 34°C.

Authorities advise:

• Avoid low-lying areas and underpasses
• Use Delhi Metro for essential travel
• Check flight status before heading to the airport
• Keep emergency supplies handy if commuting

Raksha Bandhan 2025 will be remembered not just for its emotional significance, but for the resilience shown by families across Delhi-NCR. Amid flooded streets and delayed flights, siblings found ways to connect—whether through virtual calls, couriered Rakhis, or shared laughter over soggy sweets.

As the skies clear in the coming days, the hope remains that infrastructure will catch up with the spirit of celebration. Until then, Delhiites continue to navigate both puddles and promises.

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