Assam Govt declares statewide holiday on Gorkha festival 'Bhai Tika'

Mazbat: Assam Finance, Education, and Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma today declared a statewide holiday on the occasion of 'Bhai Tika', a festival observed by the Gorkha community. Sarma made the declaration during an election rally in the BTC to drum up support for the saffron party.

Addressing supporters in Mazbat town during a campaign rally, Sarma said that BJP President Ranjeet Dass had suggested declaring a holiday on the occasion of 'Bhai Tika', which is one of the most prominent festivals of the Gorkha community. Sarma said that he had acquiesced to it, and it had been agreed upon to declare a holiday on the festival.

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"We want every section of society to get society. In Assam, Bagrumba (of the Bodos), Bihu (of the Assamese), and Jhumur (of the Tea Tribe community) must all be observed," Sarma said, after making the announcement.

Gorkha organizations across India have long been demanding a holiday on the occasion of 'Bhai Tika'. Therefore, today's declaration is being seen as a reason to rejoice by these organizations.

In Nepal, the Diwali festival culminates in Bhai Tika, a day that rests on the premises of love, rituals, beautiful hues, reverence, and puja done especially for one’s brother.

This occasion honors brother-sister relationships, celebrating the holy emotional bond that they share. It is marked by offering special prayers for each brother’s prosperity and long life. To begin the ceremony, the sister draws three mandaps or boundaries at a designated place.

The mandaps are made for Lord Ganesh, Janmaraj (the God of Birth), and Yamaraj.

This festival has a special significance for the Gorkha community, which celebrates it with great gusto.

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