Bhai Dooj is one of the auspicious festivals celebrated all over India that strengthen the bond of a brother and sister. Being a major festival of India, it is called by many names in different parts of the country. Some of them are Bhai Phota, Bhai Tika, Bhava Bij, Bhatri Dwitiya, Yama Dwitiya etc.
As with most Hindu festivals, there are many legends associated with the celebration of this auspicious festival, the most popular of which is about Yama, the god of death. According to this legend, Yamaraja’s sister Yamuna tried to bring her brother to her on several occasions, but Yamraj was unable to do so for long. When he finally met her, he was greeted with a grand ceremony, sweets were offered and a ceremonial tika was placed on his forehead.
Very pleased with the love and respect that Yamraj had given, Yamaraja granted Yamuna a boon and she in turn asked him to dedicate a day to her, the day he would visit her home every year. Hence, on this day the rituals of brothers and sisters visiting each other began to honor the kinship between them.
The festival of ‘Bhai Dooj’ is celebrated in a traditional way across the country. Lets know how the festival is celebrated in different parts of the country
Bhai Dooj In Bihar
The celebration of Bhai Dooj in Bihar is quite different as compared to other parts of the country. The ritual here is that on this day sisters curse and abuse their brothers before pricking their tongues and asking for forgiveness as a punishment for their brothers. In return the brothers bless them and give gifts.
Maharashtra
In Maharashtra, the festival of Bhai Dooj is commonly known as “Bhau Beej”. As per tradition, the sister makes a square on the floor and the brother has to sit in it. After that, she applies tilak on his forehead, performs aarti and even consumes a fruit called “karit”. Sister prays for the well being of her brother and also prays for his prosperity.
Bhai Dooj West Bengal
Like Maharashtra, the festival of “Bhai Dooj” is also celebrated in West Bengal with some special rituals and prayers. Known as “Bhai Fonta”, it is considered a special occasion as it brings together siblings. The sister observes a fast for the whole day and eagerly waits for her brother to come. Then she performs aarti and applies tilak on his forehead. This special tilak is usually made from kajal and sandalwood.
Bhai Dooj Punjab
In Punjab, the day after Diwali is celebrated as Tika and on this day sisters make a paste of saffron and rice and apply Tika on the forehead of their brothers to remove all difficulties and dangers from them. They then exchange gifts and sweets amongst each other. If you are looking for bhaubeej gift ideas online, then finding a reputed website would be a great option.
Bhai Dooj in Gujarat
Bhai Dooj in Gujarat is known as Bhai Beej and on this auspicious occasion sisters wake up early in the morning and then the traditional Tilak ceremony is conducted. After that, an aarti is performed for brothers by the sisters and pray for their good fortune and life. Then sisters sweeten the mouth of brothers and in return the brothers bless them and exchange gifts.
Bhai Dooj Nepal
Bhai Dooj is celebrated in Nepal as Bhai Tika or Bhai Tihar (meaning Tihar of Brothers). On this day sisters pray to Yamraj for the prosperity and long life of their brothers. The most unique thing about Bhai Tika is that sisters apply a long seven colored Tika on the forehead of their brothers.
Bhai Dooj in Uttar Pradesh
In the state of Uttar Pradesh, sisters initially give a piece of cloth, which is tied in a circular shape, filled with batasha to their brothers. This piece of cloth is called ‘abaf’. After performing all the rituals, sisters apply roli and rice tika on the foreheads of their brothers. Then, sisters perform aarti praying for a long and happy life for their brothers. Eventually, they give them sweets and then, the story of Bhai Dooj is narrated by the elder members of the family.
No matter in which state you live, celebrate it with love and peace. Happy celebrations!
