TANGLA: Along with other parts of the nation, the Gorkha community which has a considerable presence here in Udalguri district also celebrated Bhai-Tika or Bhai-Dooj on Friday. The festival celebrates bonding of love between brothers and sisters with traditional fervour and gaiety.
Bhai tika is the last, and the most important day of Tihar. In this day, the sisters apply tika to their brothers’ forehead and pray for their long lives, and share a meal. “A sister prays for the longevity, happiness and success of her brother who, in return, showers her with gifts, goodies and blessings. The brother renews his vow to take care of his sister and protect her throughout his life,” said senior journalist Rewati Raman Sapkota. The women also recite traditional folk songs on Bhai Dooj. “We recite a mantra for our brothers’ long life and apply ‘chandan’ on their forehead. The brothers, in a ceremonial gesture, bless us with ‘doob’ grass for our wellness,” said Rijju Sarmah, a housemaker.
The festival also known as Bhatri Ditya is observed on the last day of overall Diwali celebrations in the Hindu month of Kartik, which is usually the month of October or November. ‘Ditya’ in the term ‘Bhatri Ditya’ implies that the festival falls on the second day after new moon. ‘Bhatri’ means brother. It brings a spirit of harmony and bonhomie in the entire family because it is a kind of family get together on the auspicious occasion.
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