To show his elation after the Maharashtra government allowed reopening of salons and parlours, a 52-year-old Kolhapur-based salon owner used a pair of “gold scissors” to cut hair of his first customer in more than three months.

Under the 'Mission Begin Again', the government, in further easing of coronavirus-induced curbs in the state, allowed reopening of barber shops, salons and beauty parlours from June 28 but by adhering to a slew of protocols to avoid infection and spread of the deadly virus.