Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended greetings to people on the occasion of Bhai Dooj, describing the festival as a celebration of the deep bond of love, affection and trust between brothers and sisters.
In a post on X in Hindi, PM Modi said, “Heartfelt wishes to my family members across the country on Bhai Dooj. This sacred festival symbolises the sweetness and warmth of the loving and deep bond between brothers and sisters. On this auspicious occasion, I wish everyone happiness and prosperity.”
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also extended her greetings, describing Bhai Dooj as a sacred celebration of the unbreakable affection, trust and closeness between brothers and sisters. She said the relationship reflected the values of love, protection and family bonds in Indian culture.
Wishing happiness and prosperity to every family, CM Gupta expressed hope that the special bond between siblings would remain strong.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended his heartfelt wishes on the occasion, describing Bhai Dooj as a festival symbolising affection, devotion and closeness between brothers and sisters. He prayed to Goddess Yamuna for happiness, prosperity and well-being for all, and expressed hope that love and trust would grow stronger within families.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also conveyed his greetings, calling the festival a symbol of the unbreakable love, affection and trust between siblings. He described the brother-sister relationship as one of life’s most precious bonds, rooted in love, belonging, mutual trust and devotion, and wished prosperity and happiness to everyone.
Significance and traditions of Bhai Dooj
Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhaiya Dooj, is celebrated on the second lunar day of the Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartika. The festival celebrates the relationship between brothers and sisters through traditional rituals and family gatherings.
According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Yamuna invited her brother, Yama, the god of death, to her home and welcomed him with a meal on Kartik Shukla Dwitiya. The occasion came to be celebrated as Yama Dwitiya, which is associated with the blessings of happiness, prosperity and well-being.
On the day, sisters apply a ceremonial tilak to their brothers’ foreheads and perform prayers for their long lives and prosperity. Brothers, in turn, offer gifts and reaffirm their affection and commitment to their sisters.
The festival is celebrated under different names across the country. While it is widely known as Bhai Dooj in North India, it is called Bhau Beej in Maharashtra, Bhai Phonta in Bengal and Bhai Tika in several other regions. It is also observed as Yama Dwitiya in parts of southern India.
(With agency inputs)
