How to Celebrate Bhai Dooj

Bhai Dooj is the celebration of the strong and special bond shared by the brothers and sisters with each other. The festival is a reflection of the idiosyncratic bonds of the siblings in a religious manner. Sisters wish for the happy, healthy, and wealthy life of their brothers and offer their prayers to God to bless them; whereas the brothers give a lifetime promise of protection to their sisters.          

The Rituals and Puja Vidhi on Bhai Dooj

Celebrating Indian festivals without following any proper customs and traditions make them lose their festive flavors. India is an extremely religious country which strictly follows the rules of auspicious timings and methods of performing rituals and Puja on festivals. The festival of Bhai Dooj is also celebrated with immense precision and exuberance by people of India.

Following are the essentials to perform the Bhai Dooj Tikka ceremony in a proper manner -

• Puja Thali: This plate of worship holds big importance on the festival of Bhai Dooj. It is decorated with Roli, Rice, Mauli thread, Fruits, Chandan Tikka, flowers, sweets, and betel nut. The Aarti of the brother is performed using this beautiful thali.
• Rice flour seat for brother: According to the traditions of the Hindu religion, a square seat is made using the flour of rice for the brother to complete the ceremony. He sits on this seat for the Tilak ceremony.
•  Mauli Thread: This thread is considered the most religious and protective thread in the Hindu religion. It works like a protective band for the people and bring good vibes to the human body when tied to it. Just like a Rakhi, this thread protects brother from the evil eyes and attracts positive energies.
• Lamp: A lamp is lit facing the south direction.
•  Dried coconut: There is a custom of offering dry coconut to brothers after the performance of the Tikka ceremony.

Begin your day following the below steps on the day of Bhai Dooj –

• Brothers cover their heads with new handkerchief and sit on the seat prepared by sisters from rice flour.
•  Sisters give crystallized sugar, betel leaf, black grams, betel nut, fruits, to brothers before performing an aarti of him.
• Using Puja Thali and a lit diya, sisters perform aarti and Puja of their brothers and apply Roli tilak and rice on their foreheads.
• After the performance of Aarti and Tilak ceremony, brothers give special Bhai Dooj gifts to sisters and take blessings from their elders.

Bhai Dooj Celebrations in India

India, being an extremely diverse country, follows different rituals and customs for the celebration of festivals. The festival of Bhai Dooj is also celebrated in a variety of ways in different states and regions of India.

• Celebrations in Punjab

The customs of Bhai Dooj followed in Punjab comprises of the common Tilak ceremony. Sisters apply tilak made with rice and saffron on the foreheads of the brothers to protect them from evil eyes and negativities.

• Celebrations in Bihar

The festival of Bhai Dooj is celebrated in a unique way in the state of Bihar. The ceremony begins in the morning with sisters abusing and cursing their brothers as a part of the rituals. Soon after that, they prick their tongues with thorns as a punishment for whatever they have said about their brothers. They also offer prayers to God for the wellness and happiness of their brothers.

• Celebrations in Bengal

The people of Bengal celebrate Bhai Dooj as Bhai Phota in which sisters keep fasts for their brothers to ensure their well-being and happiness. Sisters keep this fast until the performance of the Tilak ceremony of their brothers and perform Aarti. The Tilak of Bhai Dooj is prepared using sandalwood paste, Kajal, and Ghee. The elder sibling gives rice indicating happiness and Durba (grass) signifying long life to the younger one.

•  Celebrations in Maharashtra

The state of Maharashtra celebrates Bhai Dooj as Bhau Beej. Constituting a part of the celebrations, sisters draw squares made with rice on the floor and brothers have to sit on them for the Bhai Dooj Tilak ceremony. The sisters apply kumkum on their foreheads and sweeten their mouths with sweets and chocolates. Brothers, in return, give special gifts to sisters as a token of their love and care for them.

• Celebrations in Uttar Pradesh

The festival of Bhai Dooj in Uttar Pradesh witnesses sisters applying kumkum tilak on the foreheads of their brothers and offering crystallized sweets, dried coconut, and water.

•  Celebrations in Nepal

Celebrated as Bhai Tihar in the country of Nepal, the festival of Bhai Dooj celebrates the beautiful relationship of siblings with a special Tika ceremony. “Tihar” means Tika in Hindi which is applied on the forehead of the brother by sisters. The Tikka of Bhai Dooj comprises seven colors. Considered as the significant festival after Dussehra in Nepal, it is celebrated on the 3^rd day of the Tyohar festival. Sisters also offer special prayers to Lord Yamraj for the happiness and long life of their brothers.