A video showing senior Congress leader Nana Patole’s feet being washed during a Guru Purnima event has triggered a political controversy in Maharashtra, with the BJP criticising the ritual and the Congress leader defending it as a family tradition.

The viral clip shows Mr Patole seated on a sofa while two men wash his feet, shower flowers on him and place fruits near his feet as part of the ceremony. The incident quickly drew attention on social media and prompted sharp reactions from political leaders.

BJP calls it ‘Congress culture’

Reacting to the video, Maharashtra minister and BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule said the incident reflected the “culture of Congress leaders”.

He said such acts only invite criticism and negative publicity, adding that Congress leaders should learn from similar controversies instead of repeating them.

Nana Patole defends Guru Purnima ritual

Responding to the criticism, Mr Patole rejected the allegations and said he neither instructed nor compelled anyone to perform the ritual.

According to the Congress leader, the ceremony took place on Guru Purnima when two younger members of his family voluntarily chose to honour him as their Guru.

He said they insisted on performing the ritual as a mark of respect.

Congress leader hits back at BJP

Mr Patole also countered the BJP’s criticism, saying the party had no authority to lecture others on culture and traditions.

In an apparent reference to the alleged Ram temple donation theft case, he remarked that those who “loot donation funds” should not advise others on cultural values.

The exchange has added to the political sparring between the BJP and the Congress in Maharashtra, with the viral video continuing to generate debate on social media.

Friendship Day 2026 is being celebrated on Sunday, August 2, across India and several other countries where the occasion falls on the first Sunday of August. The day recognises the importance of friendship and celebrates the companionship, trust and support that friends bring into people’s lives.

As people mark the occasion, many are exchanging heartfelt wishes, messages and quotes on social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Instagram to express gratitude for their closest friends.

History and significance of Friendship Day

The idea of Friendship Day was first introduced in 1930 by Joyce Hall, the founder of Hallmark Cards. The concept was to dedicate August 2 as a day for people to appreciate their friends by sending greeting cards. Although the tradition initially became popular, its appeal later declined in the United States.

The movement gained wider recognition in 1958 when Dr Ramon Artemio Bracho proposed celebrating friendship during a gathering in Puerto Pinasco, Paraguay. His initiative resulted in the formation of the World Friendship Crusade, an organisation that promotes peace and friendship among people worldwide.

In 2011, the United Nations officially declared July 30 as the International Day of Friendship. However, countries such as India continue to celebrate Friendship Day on the first Sunday of August.

Best Friendship Day 2026 quotes and wishes

Here are some messages and quotes that can be shared with friends on WhatsApp or posted as Instagram status updates:

“Real friendship isn’t about being inseparable, but about being separated and nothing changes. Happy Friendship Day!”

“Friends are the family we choose. Happy Friendship Day!”

“Celebrating the people who make my world warmer. Happy Friendship Day!”

“Friendship isn’t about who you’ve known the longest. It’s about who stayed. Happy Friendship Day!”

“Happy Friendship Day! Here’s to the laughs, the memories, and the unbreakable bond we share.”

“Wishing you a Friendship Day filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories.”

“Cheers to all the crazy, wonderful times we’ve shared. Happy Friendship Day!”

“True friends are never apart, maybe in distance but never in heart. Happy Friendship Day!”

“Friendship is the greatest gift of life. Happy Friendship Day to all my dear friends!”

“To the one who has seen me at my best and stood by me at my worst—thank you for being my constant anchor. Happy Friendship Day 2026!”

“Distance might keep us apart, but real friendship doesn’t care about miles. Cheers to another year of shared memories and unconditional support. Happy Friendship Day!”

“Life is unpredictable, but having a friend like you makes every hurdle easier to cross. Happy Friendship Day!”

“Happy Friendship Day! Thanks for knowing all my weirdest habits and still choosing to be seen with me in public.”

“Happy Friendship Day! Here’s to another year of laughing at our own jokes and keeping each other’s embarrassing secrets!”

“Grateful for the ones who make quiet moments comfortable and crazy moments unforgettable. Happy Friendship Day!”

As people celebrate Friendship Day 2026, these heartfelt wishes continue to remind everyone of the enduring value of genuine friendships and the memories shared with those who stand by us through every stage of life.

India continued its impressive campaign at the Commonwealth Games 2026 on Day 10, creating history in boxing as Priya Ghanghas and Sakshi Chaudhary added two more gold medals to the country’s tally. With four boxing gold medals already secured, India achieved its best-ever boxing performance in a single edition of the Commonwealth Games.

Priya Ghanghas defeated Canada’s Marie Al-Ahmadieh by a 4-1 split verdict in the women’s 60kg final. After conceding the opening round, the Indian boxer fought back strongly to win the next two rounds and seal the gold medal.

Earlier, Sakshi Chaudhary produced a commanding display to defeat England’s Ruby White by unanimous decision in the women’s 51kg final, earning India’s third boxing gold of the Games.

Four boxing champions script history

Priya Ghanghas and Sakshi Chaudhary joined Preeti Pawar and Jaismine Lamboria on the list of Indian boxing gold medallists at the Glasgow Games.

According to the live updates, India’s four boxing gold medals are the most the country has won in the sport at any edition of the Commonwealth Games.

The boxing campaign is still not over, with five more Indian boxers scheduled to compete in gold medal bouts later on Day 10.

India’s medal tally rises to 32

India’s medal tally climbed to 32 medals, comprising 10 gold, 15 silver and seven bronze.

Apart from boxing, India also celebrated a one-two finish in the men’s F57 shot put event. Soman Rana clinched the gold medal with a throw of 13.40 metres, while Shubham Juyal secured silver with 13.28 metres.

In athletics, Praveen Chithravel claimed silver in the men’s triple jump, while Selva Prabhu Thirumaran won bronze.

Judoka Unnati Sharma also added a bronze medal after defeating South Africa’s Skye Knoester by Ippon in the women’s -63kg event.

India eye more medals on Day 10

India’s medal tally could grow further as several athletes remain in contention later on Day 10.

Boxers Arundhati Choudhary, Lovlina Borgohain, Sachin Siwach, Ankush Panghal and Narender Berwal are all scheduled to compete in their respective finals. Harsh Tokas is also set to fight for bronze in the men’s -81kg judo event, while Indian athletes will feature in the men’s pole vault, men’s 5000m and mixed 4x400m relay finals.