General

All You Need to Know About Bhai Dooj 2022

Bhai Dooj is also known as Bhai Tika, Yama Dwitiya, Bharat Dwitiya, etc in different parts of the country. Bhai Dooj usually falls on the dark lunar fortnight in the month of Kartik. This date comes exactly 2 days after Deepawali. On this occasion, sisters apply tilak and pray for the long life of their brothers. In return brothers, show love with bhai dooj gifts for sister.

As per Hindu traditions, Goddess Yamina was very close to her brother Lord Yamraj. When her brother came to meet her on the second day of Diwali, she was very happy and prepared delicious food for her. Lord Yamraj was impressed by his gesture and Goddess Yamuna asked him to visit him every year after Diwali. Goddess Yamuna applied tilak on his forehead and wished him health and happiness. He said that the person whose sister applies tilak on the forehead of his brother, need not fear Lord Yamraj. Since then, Bhai Dooj has been an auspicious festival of Hindu culture. Not just brothers, even sisters show love to their brother with a special bhai dooj gift. You can easily find it online on any reputed online gifting store.

Rituals to be Followed on Bhai Dooj

According to the Indian religion, without proper customs and traditions, Hindu festivals do not really speak of them. For this reason, every festival in our country is celebrated with great pomp and gaiety.

On the eve of Bhai Dooj, the plate from which the brother is to be worshiped is decorated methodically or it is said in the festival. The plate should contain vermilion, sandalwood, fruits, flowers, sweets, and betel nuts.
Before the Tilak ceremony takes place, chalk a square with rice.
The brother is sitting on this square and is waiting for the auspicious time when the sister finally applies the tilak.
After tilak, before performing the aarti of your brother, give him fruits, betel nut, sugar, betel nut, and black gram.
Once the tilak and aarti are done, the brother presents his sister with gifts before taking a vow to protect her for the rest of her life.

Bhai dooj is called by many names depending on the region and the language spoken in that region, but one thing that does not change is that the festival lives on in the hearts of people all over the country. Here’s how it is celebrated in different parts of the country.

Bhai Dooj in Uttar Pradesh

In UP, the sister gives crystallized sugar and water to the brother by applying tilak. There is also a custom of offering water and dry coconut to the brother. The tradition of watering is followed in almost every house.

Bhai Dooj In Maharashtra

This festival is known as ‘Bhav Bij’ in the state. As part of the brother-sister celebration, brothers are seated on the floor where the sisters form a square and consume a bitter fruit called karit. Thereafter sisters apply tilak on the forehead of their brothers and perform aarti and pray for the welfare of silence.

Bhai Dooj In West Bengal

In West Bengal, the festival is known as ‘Bhai Phonta’. There are many rituals involved in this festival. On this day, sisters observe a fast till the completion of the ceremony. Sisters apply tilak on the forehead of their brothers which is made of sandalwood, kajal, and ghee before praying for well-being. A grand feast is organized on this occasion.

Bhai Dooj In Bihar

In Bihar, the celebration of bhai dooj is quite different as compared to others. Here sisters place curses and abuses on their brothers on this occasion before pricking their tongues and asking for forgiveness as a punishment. In return, the brothers shower them with gifts.
Celebrate the festival with your beloved siblings and shower abundant love and blessings by sending a special gift for bhai dooj. Happy celebrations!