After Diwali, it’s time to celebrate Bhai Dooj – a festival meant for brothers and sisters. The name Bhai Dooj itself denotes the day of the festival dedicated to brothers and falls on the second day after the new moon. The bond of love between brothers and sisters is glorified with the celebration of Bhai Dooj. The festival has different names in different regions of the country. It is called Bhaiya Dooj in the Hindi-speaking belt, Bhai Phot in Bengal, Bhav Bij in Marathi, Yama dwiteya in Orissa and Bhai Tika in Nepal.

The bond between brother and sister is so eternal and celestial, which is reflected in our festivals. The rituals and customs of Bhaiya Dooj festival provide a heartfelt look at the dynamics of lifelong sibling relationships.

The Legend
According to one legend, on this day, Lord Krishna, after assassinating the Narakasura demon, goes to his sister Subhadra who welcomes him with the lamp, flowers and sweets, and mark his forehead with holy protective spot.

It is said that on an unknown past Yamuna marked on the forehead of Her brother Yama (the God of death). Even now that custom is carried on. There is a belief that a sister who has a brother is fortunate enough. Sister invites brother and brother waits for that with great expectations. It is a happy family gathering. Feasting, exchanging gifts and outing are a part of the ceremony.

It is the festival of brother and sister, where sisters ceremonize their love for their brothers by putting an auspicious tilak or a vermilion mark on the forehead of their brothers and performs an aarti of him by showing him the light of the holy flame as a mark of love and protection from evil forces. Then its brother's turn, sisters are lavished with gifts, treats and blessings from their brothers. Sister's observes fast till they put tilak on their brother's forehead. That day they also lay a lavish cuisine, all their brothers' favorite dishes.

On the other hand brothers also eagerly wait for this occasion. Brothers sit on a carpet and sisters lit puja lamp, uttering the mantra, apply tilak of chandan/roli on the forehead, kajal and dew water with their little finger of left hand and give blessings with green grass and paddy seeds. Finally they offer sweets along with the coconut to their brother. Thus sisters wish their brothers long life, good health and all prosperity.