India celebrates Bhai Dooj, Narendra Modi, Mamata Banerjee wish people

The day is marked by Hindus on the last day of the five-day-long Diwali festival.

On this day, sisters pray for their brothers' long life and prosperity as they put a 'Tika' (mark) on the forehead of their brothers who if elder in turn present special gifts to their sisters.

‘Bhai Fota’, as it is known in West Bengal among Bengalis, in other parts of India is known by different names: 'Bhai Bij', 'Bhau-beej' or 'Bhav Bij' in Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka respectively.

'Bhai Dooj', 'Bhathru Dwithiya', 'Bhai Tika' and 'Bhatri Ditya' are the other names by which this festival is celebrated in this culturally diverse nation.

Like all other Hindu festivals, food need a special mention in this festival as sisters prepare lip-smacking dishes for their brothers on this day.

Indian politicians wished the nation on the special day of the year.

PM Narendra Modi tweeted: "भाई दूज के पावन पर्व की सभी देशवासियों को बहुत-बहुत बधाई। Greetings to you all on the special occasion of Bhai Dooj, a festival that celebrates the strong brother-sister bond."

Wishing people on Bhai Fota, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee posted in Bengali: "শুভ ভাইফোঁটা। সকল ভাই ও বোনেদের জানাই আন্তরিক শুভেচ্ছা ও অভিনন্দন."