New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the nation on the occasion of Bhai Dooj, a festival similar to Rakhi that celebrates the bond of love between brothers and sisters.
Bhai Dooj also marks the end of the five-day Diwali celebrations.
“Best wishes to all of you on the holy occasion of Bhai Dooj,” Prime Minister Modi wrote on the mincroblogging website.
भाई दूज के पावन अवसर पर आप सभी को बहुत-बहुत शुभकामनाएं।
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 16, 2020
Many other leaders, including Home Minister Amit Shah and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, joined the Prime Minister in congratulating the country on this festival.
“Wishing everyone a very happy festival of Bhai Dooj,” Mr Shah tweeted.
“Hearty congratulations to all the countrymen of the holy festival of brotherhood, symbol of unwavering love of brothers and sisters. Wish you such endless love and trust between your brothers and sisters and always have their wishes fulfilled,” Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar wrote.
Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhau Beej, Bhathru Dwithiya and Yama Dwitiya, is celebrated across the country. Mythologically, it is believed that Goddess Yamuna fed her brother Yamraj – the God of death – on Kartik Dwitiya. Since then, it is believed, sisters pray for their brothers to have long and happy lives on this day.
PM Modi and Mr Shah, whose team led the Gujarat state government for three terms starting 2002, also wished good health and prosperity to people on the Gujarati New Year’s day today.
“A Happy New Year to all Gujarati brothers and sisters. I wish you all good health, prosperity and happiness in the new year,” PM Modi wrote.
સૌને નવા વર્ષની હાર્દિક શુભકામનાઓ;
આવનારૂ નવું વર્ષ આપ સૌના જીવનમાં હર્ષ, ઉમંગ અને સમૃદ્ધિ લાવે તેવી શુભેચ્છા…!
નૂતન વર્ષાભિનંદન ! pic.twitter.com/EOqFDelob3
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) November 16, 2020