Bhai Dooj: A Celebration of Sibling Love & Tradition
"Bhai Dooj, a Hindu festival celebrated during Diwali and Holi, strengthens the bond between siblings as sisters pray for their brothers' longevity through the Tika ceremony, and brothers reciprocate with gifts. The festival, which marks the end of Diwali, is rooted in the legend of Lord Krishna's visit to his sister Subhadra after defeating the demon Narakasura, and is celebrated with new clothes, aarti, the application of a protective tika,
Bhai Dooj Festival
Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhau Beej, Bhai Tika, and Bhai Phonta, is a festival celebrated by Hindus on the second lunar day of Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) in the Vikram Samvat Hindu calendar or of Shalivahan Shaka calendar month of Kartika. It is celebrated during the Diwali or Tihar festival and Holi festival.
Significance
The festival is known to strengthen the sibling bond more than anything else. It is a day when sisters pray for their brothers to have long and happy lives by performing the Tika ceremony, and brothers offer gifts to their sisters. Bhai Dooj is also a festival that marks the end of the Diwali festivities and is a public holiday in some states in India.
Story Behind Bhai Dooj
According to a popular legend in Hindu mythology, after slaying the evil demon Narakasura, Lord Krishna visited his sister Subhadra who gave him a warm welcome with sweets and flowers. She also affectionately applied a ceremonial, protective tilak on Krishna's forehead. Some believe this to be the origin of the festival.
How is Bhai Dooj Celebrated?
On the day of the festival, brothers and sisters dress up in new clothes and gather at their parents' house. The sisters perform aarti for their brothers and apply a red tika on the brother's forehead. This tika is a protective spot placed to ward off evil and danger. After the ceremony, brothers give gifts to their sisters and enjoy a meal together. The festivities also include exchanging sweets and enjoying the traditional delicacies of this festival.