Bhaiya Dooj, Bhai Dooj, Bhai Phota, Bhai Teeka, Bhatri Ditya - A Beautiful Ritual

Bhaidooj is an occasion which is a sincere effort to pay tribute to the amazing bond of love between siblings. Bhai Duj comes from Bhaiya or Bhai which means brother and Dooj means second. The Bhaubeej festival falls on the second day after Diwali, or the second day of the new moon. Every year depending on the new moon, the date falls either in the month of October or November. Bhai Dooj 2010 will be celebrated on 7th November, Sunday.


Bhai Dooj Celebrations
The celebrations of Bhai dooj reflects the importance of unique cultural traditions that vary with different region of India. This helps to keep the family close and brings prosperity, well being and luck. Bhai Dooj falls on the two day after Diwali and is celebrated all over the country.

All the rituals and pooja held on this occasion are carried out on the Puja dias decorated for Diwali pooja. Sisters decorate their puja thali with mithai, batashas, roli, rice and the most important of all, coconut. After which every member of the family takes turns performing the puja. Brothers have to sit on a platform with a covered head and sisters sit in front of them. This is followed by the main ritual wherein sisters apply tikka on their brother's forehead and presents him with a coconut and some other delicacies and sweets.


Bhai Tikka or Bhai Teeka on Bhai Dooj Festival
Sisters express their love for their brother by applying a tilak on the forehead of their brothers. This red tilak or Bhai teeka represents the heartfelt wish of every sister for the safety and well being of her brothers from all evils. Brothers too convey their highest regards for their sister with Bhai Dooj gifts of her choice.