Hyderabad, June 20 -- The two lockdowns imposed here due to the COVID-19 pandemic has devastated daily wage workers and small business owners alike. And Marfa band businesses, which have always been an integral part of Hyderabadi culture and weddings, have come to a point where they are now struggling for survival.

Even though the lockdown has been lifted, it is to be seen if the economy will survive and the bands will find work again. Syed Bashar from 'Salam Basher Nader Basher Party and Marfa' told Siasat.comsaid that the COVID-19 lockdown was enforced just days before the wedding season this year. "That is the main time of the year we earn most of our money," he noted.

The Marfa band owner said that about 50 people work for him. "We ...