The relationship of brothers and sisters is a sacred promise that both share as saviors, protectors, and supporters of each other. The Bhai Dooj Festival celebrates the bond between siblings and is celebrated two days after Diwali. People in some parts of the country celebrate Bhai Dooj twice a year. Those following Diwali are more popular while those after Holly are less well known.
The celebration on this day is celebrated similarly to the Raksha Bandhan festival. On this day the brother buys a Bhai Dooj gift for sister and sisters also buy for their brothers. In South India, the day is celebrated as Yama Duitia. A ritual is also performed in northern India, dried coconuts (called Gola in the local language) are tied with a clave, the sisters perform their brother’s Aarti and put red Tilak on the brother’s forehead. On the festival of Bhai Dooj, this custom continues, the sister prays for her brother’s long life and peace and gives his brother dried coconut. In return, older brothers bless their sisters and give them gifts or cash.
The entire tradition shows a brother’s responsibility to protect his sister and a sister’s favor over her brother.
Shubh Muhurat
Shubh Muhurat of Bhai Dooj Tilak According to astrologers, the best time to perform the Tilak by Bhai Dooj this year is from 13:10 to 15:21. The total duration of Shubh Muhurta is 2 hours 11 minutes. It is believed that on the day of Bhai Dooj, eating at the sister’s house increases the age of the brother. Not only that but also important matters for immersing oneself in the Yamuna that day were also told.
To perform Bhai Dooj Pooja according to Hindu customs and traditions, the Sisters need the following Bhai Dooj Pooja:
- Puja Thali
- Oil lamp (Diya)
- Roli and tilak
- fruits
- Fresh flowers
- Betel nut
- Moli
How Do You Perform The Bhai Dooj Tikka Ceremony?
- Invoke your Lord Ganesha and Ishta Devta (beloved deity) before starting the ritual.
- Let your sibling sit on a wooden Chowki decorated with white rangoli and facing north or east.
- Give him a piece of cloth to cover his head.
- Apply Tilak with Roli or Chandan on your brother’s forehead.
- Bathe Akshat and flowers on him as you pray for his well-being.
- Using a Diya, fill the Aarti with oil or Ghee and finish the puja by offering the sweets.
- You can also offer Dakshina (if he is your younger brother), fruit, paan, soup, and gifts.
- Enjoy the holidays and create memories with your siblings.
How to celebrate Bhai Dooj this year!
With the ongoing pandemic, celebrating the Bhai Dooj Festival with our loved ones will be a difficult task. This of course will reduce the excitement of the holiday. However, you can pick something special for your brother on this Bhai Dooj to keep the Bhai-Dooj spirit alive, while brothers can send gifts to their loving sisters by ordering online. You can also share video calls for a virtual reality experience while considering social distancing rules!
