Agartala— Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha marked the auspicious occasion of Bhai Dooj by participating in festivities with women BJP party workers at his residence on Sunday, continuing a tradition he started last year.
In remarks to the media, Saha shared that while he has always celebrated Bhai Dooj at home, commemorating the festival alongside party members has enriched his experience. “This year, celebrating Bhai Dooj with my fellow party workers has added a new dimension to the festival,” he said, highlighting the importance of community in such cultural observances.
Bhai Dooj, a festival that celebrates the special bond between brothers and sisters, is recognized across India under various names. It is known as Bhai Phonta in Bengal and Bhai Tika in Maharashtra, while in southern states like Karnataka and Telangana, it is referred to as Yama Dwitiya.
The roots of this festival lie in Hindu mythology, specifically in the tale of Goddess Yamuna hosting her brother, Yamraj, for a meal on Kartik Dwitiya. On this day, sisters perform rituals, including applying a tilak on their brothers’ foreheads and praying for their wellbeing, while brothers show their appreciation by offering gifts and promising to protect their sisters.
Unlike Raksha Bandhan, where sisters tie a protective thread (rakhi) on their brothers’ wrists, Bhai Dooj centers around the tilak ceremony and associated customs. Ancient Hindu texts recount various stories involving deities like Krishna and Yamraj, emphasizing the enduring bond between siblings.
The celebration of Bhai Dooj not only reinforces familial ties but also reflects the cultural richness of India, a sentiment echoed by Chief Minister Saha during the festivities.
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