Today marks the celebration of Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhai Phonta or Bhratri Dwitiya, the festival symbolising the eternal bond of love, affection and care between brothers and sisters.
The festival is being celebrated across Tripura, along with other parts of the country.
Preparations began early in the morning, with sisters following traditional rituals by applying a sandalwood mark on their brothers’ foreheads and praying for their long life, good health and prosperity. In return, brothers reaffirmed their promise to stand by their sisters.
Amid the sound of conch shells, ululation, the glow of traditional lamps, exchange of sweets and gifts, the festival is being celebrated with great enthusiasm.
Although the ways of celebrating festivals have evolved over time, the emotional bond and affection between brothers and sisters remain unchanged.
Bhai Dooj continues to strengthen family ties and celebrate the timeless relationship between siblings.
In Uttar Pradesh, Bhai Dooj and Yam dwitiya is being celebrated with immense fervour all over state and especially at Mathura Vrindavan. Thousands of devotees are taking a holy dip in the Yamuna River since early morning on the occasion.
Devotees from all over the country reach Mathura on this occasion, and particularly brothers and sisters take a holy dip together in the Yamuna River and after that take the blessings of Yamraj, the God of death.
As per Hindu tradition, sisters who feed their brothers on the auspicious day of Yama Dwitiya would be forever Saubhagyavati and eating at sisters’ home bestows long life on brothers.
A huge rush is being seen at the gates of prisons across the state, where sisters are waiting in queues to meet their brothers on this occasion to apply the tika to their foreheads and pray for their well-being and protection.
Grand fairs are also being organised at Jamthara Ghat of the Saryu River in Ayodhya and on the banks of the Yamuna in Prayagraj on the occasion of Yam Dwitiya.