Union Minister Pabitra Margherita and Assam Minister Pijush Hazarika Celebrate Bhai Dooj in Assam
In the Majgaon area of Behali assembly constituency in Assam’s Biswanath district, Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Assam Minister Pijush Hazarika joined the local Gorkha community to celebrate the Tihar and Bhai Tika festival. The celebration took place on a Sunday evening, where Minister Hazarika played the dhol, and Minister Margherita danced to traditional songs.
The Bhai Dooj festival, known by various names across India, is a celebration of the bond between brothers and sisters. In North India, it is called Bhai Dooj, Bhau Bij, and Bhai Beej, while in Maharashtra, it is known as Bhai Tika. In Bengal, it is celebrated as Bhai Phonta, and in Karnataka and Telangana, it is called Yama Dwitiya.
The festival’s mythology tells of Goddess Yamuna feeding her brother Yamraj on Kartik Dwitiya, leading to the celebration of Yama Dwitiya. Sisters apply tilak to their brothers’ foreheads, perform rituals, and wish for their brothers’ long and prosperous lives. In return, brothers give gifts and promise protection. Unlike Raksha Bandhan, Bhai Dooj does not involve tying a Rakhi.
The Behali assembly constituency, along with four other constituencies in Assam, will hold bye-elections on November 13.
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Union Minister -: A Union Minister is a person who is part of the central government of India and is responsible for a specific department or ministry.
Assam Minister -: An Assam Minister is a person who is part of the state government of Assam and is responsible for a specific department or ministry within the state.
Bhai Dooj -: Bhai Dooj is a festival celebrated in India that honors the special bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters put a mark called ’tilak’ on their brothers’ foreheads and pray for their well-being.
Tihar -: Tihar is a festival celebrated in Nepal and some parts of India, similar to Diwali, and includes Bhai Tika, which is like Bhai Dooj, celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters.
Gorkha community -: The Gorkha community is a group of people originally from Nepal, known for their bravery and service in the Indian and British armies. They have a significant presence in Assam and other parts of India.
Biswanath district -: Biswanath district is an administrative region in the state of Assam, India. It is known for its natural beauty and cultural diversity.
Behali assembly constituency -: Behali assembly constituency is a specific area in Assam that elects a representative to the Assam Legislative Assembly. It is like a voting district.
Bye-elections -: Bye-elections are elections held to fill political offices that have become vacant between general elections. They are like special elections to choose new leaders.