India marks Bhai Dooj: Leaders share greetings on sacred sibling festival

New Delhi: The Chief Ministers of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi on Thursday extended warm wishes to the public on the occasion of Bhai Dooj, a Hindu festival celebrating the special bond between brothers and sisters.

Bhai Dooj, also referred to as Bhaiya Dooj, Bhai Tika, or Bhau Beej, is observed across different regions of India with great affection and festivity.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar took to X and 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.”

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended his greetings on X in Hindi (loosely translated), stating, “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 the light of courage, success, and a bright future. This is my prayer.”

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also shared her wishes on X, emphasising the festival’s celebration of the enduring bond of affection, trust, and devotion between siblings. “Heartiest greetings on the auspicious occasion of Bhai Dooj, a symbol of unwavering love, selfless devotion, and unwavering faith. This sacred festival celebrates the precious bond of affection, trust, and devotion between brothers and sisters, which inspires each other to provide moral support through life's ups and downs. May this auspicious festival illuminate everyone's life with the light of joy, happiness, prosperity, and unwavering harmony, and may this bond between brothers and sisters remain intact and strong forever,” she said.

Bhai Dooj falls on the second lunar day of Shukla Paksha in Kartika, the eighth month of the Vikram Samvat and Shalivahana Shaka calendars, and often coincides with Diwali and Dipavali Tihar in several regions.

According to legend, on Karthik Shukla Dwitiya, Goddess Yamuna invited her brother Yamaraj to a feast at her home. Since then, the day has been celebrated as Bhai Dooj, symbolising the freeing of all living beings from the sufferings of Naraka and their blessing with happiness.

IANS