Hundreds of people congregated in Vilaripatti hamlet in Tamil Nadu’s Sivaganga district on Sunday, defying Covid-19 regulations to celebrate the traditional fish catching festival. Every year, the residents of Vilaripatti participate in this event by capturing freshwater fish in a huge body of water. The event is also attended by people from other neighbouring places. Due to the shutdown, the event was postponed till 2020.

The state of Tamil Nadu has seen an increase in new Covid-19 cases. On July 4, the state recorded 3,867 new cases and 72 fatalities. On Friday (July 2), the Tamil Nadu government extended the lockdown till July 12 with similar relaxations across the state. Hotel dine-in with 50% occupancy has been authorised till 8 p.m. under the new set of relaxations. Tea businesses have been permitted to stay open as well.