Bhai Dooj 2024: PM Narendra Modi extends greetings on special occasion

Bhai Dooj is being celebrated in the country today and the festival celebrates the special bond between a brother and a sister. The festival is celebrated with much enthusiasm after Diwali. On the special occasion today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended heartfelt greetings to the nation on Sunday, hoping that the occasion would strengthen the bond between brothers and sisters.

The Prime Minister conveyed his message on the platform X, wishing for the deepening of affection among siblings across the country.

"I wish all my countrymen a very Happy Bhai Dooj. I hope that this auspicious occasion deepens the affection between brothers and sisters," PM Modi wrote.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah echoed similar sentiments, expressing his hope that Bhai Dooj would fill people’s lives with joy. He wrote, "May this sacred festival, symbolising love, dedication, and devotion, bring boundless happiness to all."

Bhai Dooj is a day dedicated to the love between siblings, with sisters traditionally praying for their brothers' wellbeing by applying a ceremonial 'Tika' on their foreheads. This ritual is often accompanied by the exchange of sweets and gifts, symbolising mutual care and the strengthening of family bonds.

This cherished festival is celebrated under various names in India. In North India, it’s known as Bhai Dooj, Bhau Bij, or Bhai Beej, while in Maharashtra, it goes by Bhai Tika. In Bengal, it’s observed as Bhai Phonta. The southern states, including Karnataka and Telangana, celebrate the day as Yama Dwitiya, recalling a tale where the goddess Yamuna welcomed her brother Yamraj to her home for a feast on this auspicious day of Kartik Dwitiya. Since then, the tradition has evolved, with sisters praying for their brothers’ long lives and brothers offering gifts in return.

While Bhai Dooj and Raksha Bandhan share similarities in celebrating sibling love, Bhai Dooj’s rituals differ slightly, as sisters do not tie a Rakhi thread as they do on Raksha Bandhan.

Rooted in ancient Hindu texts, Bhai Dooj carries tales of eternal sibling love, including stories of Lord Krishna and Yamraj, making it a deeply revered celebration across India.

(with ANI inputs)