Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday extended greetings to the nation on the occasion of Bhai Dooj.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Heartfelt wishes to all of you on the occasion of Bhai Dooj. May this festival, symbolising the mutual love and trust between brother and sister, bring happiness, prosperity, and good fortune into everyone’s life. May the bond of this relationship gain renewed strength; that is my wish.”
Along with the Prime Minister, several Chief Ministers across India extended their greetings on the occasion, which celebrates the enduring love and trust shared between brothers and sisters.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said Bhai Dooj reflects the “unbreakable bond of love and affection” between siblings. “On this day, sisters apply a tilak to their brothers and pray for their long life, happiness, and prosperity. The festival also emphasises nurturing love, care, and trust between siblings,” he said.
In a post on X, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said, “Hearty congratulations and best wishes to the people of the state and the country on the occasion of Bhaiya Dooj, the festival of the sacred bond and love between brother and sister.”
Extending his greetings, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, “Heartiest greetings to everyone on the auspicious occasion of Bhaiya Dooj, which strengthens the bond of love and trust between brothers and sisters! May the life of every sister be illuminated with happiness, good fortune, and prosperity by the grace of Mother Yamuna, and may the life of every brother be illuminated with courage, success, and a bright future.”
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also shared her wishes, calling Bhai Dooj “a symbol of unwavering love, selfless devotion, and trust.” “This sacred festival celebrates the precious bond between brothers and sisters, inspiring mutual moral support through life’s ups and downs. May it bring joy, harmony, and prosperity to all,” she said in a post on X.
Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhaiya Dooj, Bhai Tika, or Bhau Beej, is celebrated across India with regional variations. In Maharashtra, it is called Bhau Beej, in Bengal Bhai Phonta, and in parts of South India such as Karnataka and Telangana, it is known as Yama Dwitiya.
The festival is observed on the second lunar day (Dwitiya) of Shukla Paksha in Kartika month of the Hindu calendar and coincides with the post-Diwali celebrations.
According to Hindu mythology, the origins of the festival trace back to Goddess Yamuna and her brother Yamraj, the god of death. On this day, Yamuna invited her brother to her home and offered him a meal. Touched by her affection, Yamraj blessed that any brother who receives a tilak and prayers from his sister on this day would be freed from the sufferings of Naraka (hell) and blessed with long life and happiness.
(With agency inputs)