Bhai Dooj

Significance and History

The festival of Bhai Dooj is celebrated across the country in a traditional way. On the occasion, sisters make a seat for their brothers using rice flour. Once the brother sits on the seat, a paste of vermillion, dahi and rice is applied on the forehead of the brothers as a religious tika.

Thereafter, the sister place a flower of Kaddu, betel leaves, betel nuts and coins in the palms of the brother and pour water on it while chanting mantras. Once this is done, a Kalawa is tied on the wrist of the brother and the aarti is performed. The next ritual is to exchange gifts among each and take the blessings of the elders.

Why do People Celebrate Bhai Dooj? :

• Given the fact that the festival is celebrated throughout the country, there are slight variations in the celebration of Bhai Dooj. Listed below are the celebration of the festival in some states of the country. Read on to know more:

  • In Maharashtra – In the state, the festival is known as ‘Bhav Bij‘. As part of the sibling celebration, brothers are made to sit on the floor where sisters draw a square and consume a bitter fruit known as Karith. Thereafter, sisters apply tilak on the forehead of their brothers and perform the aarti and offer prayers for the welfare of the siling.
  • In West Bengal – In West Bengal, the festival is known as ‘Bhai Phonta‘. The festival includes a number of rituals. On the day, sisters observe a fast until the ceremony is completed. Sisters apply a tilak of the forehead of her brothers that is made of sandalwood, kajal and ghee before offering prayers for the well-being. A grand feast is organized on the occasion.
  • In Bihar – The celebration of Bhai Dooj in Bihar is quite different than in other parts of the country. Here, sisters hurl curses and abuses for their brothers on the occasion before pricking their tongues as a punishment and asking for forgiveness. In return, brothers bless them and offer them gifts.

Celebration at Krushna Dham Delaware
At Krushna Dham Delaware,

• The Tilak Ceremony:- The most important part of the celebration is the Tilak Ritual, where sisters apply a sacred tilak (vermilion, kumkum, or sandalwood paste) on their brother’s forehead, perform aarti, and offer prayers for his long life, happiness, and success. In return, brothers give gifts and promise to protect and support their sisters forever.
• Exchange of Gifts & Sweet Treats:-Bhai Dooj is incomplete without gifts and sweets! Sisters prepare special dishes, handmade sweets, or chocolates for their brothers, while brothers surprise their sisters with thoughtful presents like jewelry, clothes, or personalized gifts.
• Family Get-Togethers & Festive Feasts:-Families come together on this day, making it a perfect occasion for bonding, storytelling, and reliving childhood memories. A delicious festive feast, including favorites like gujiya, kheer, barfi, and puri-bhaji, adds to the celebratory spirit.
• Virtual Celebrations for Distant Siblings:-For siblings who are far away, Bhai Dooj is still celebrated with virtual video calls, online gifts, and heartfelt messages to express love and togetherness.

Join us at Krushna Dham Delaware this Bhai Dooj to seek blessings for an abundant and prosperous year ahead, through divine grace and community spirit.