Bhai Dooj 2025

Significance of Bhai Dooj Festival in Hindu Culture

Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhaiya Dooj, Bhai Phonta, or Bhai Tika, holds a special place in Hindu culture. Celebrated on the second day after Diwali, this festival symbolizes the deep bond between brothers and sisters. According to Hindu mythology, Yamraj, the god of death, visited his sister Yamuna on this day. She welcomed him with a tilak, performed aarti, and prayed for his long life. Touched by her love, Yamraj declared that any brother who receives a tilak from his sister on Bhai Dooj will live a long and healthy life.

This tradition continues today as sisters perform aarti and apply tilak to their brothers, wishing for their well-being and prosperity. In return, brothers vow to protect their sisters and often offer gifts as a token of love. Bhai Dooj reinforces the cultural values of family bonding, love, and mutual respect, making it an integral part of Indian festivals.

Rituals and Traditions of the Festival

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.

Celebration of Bhai Dooj in Different States

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:

1. 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.
2. 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 organised on the occasion.
3. 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.

Bhai Dooj vs Raksha Bandhan – What’s the Difference?

While both Bhai Dooj and Raksha Bandhan celebrate the bond between siblings, they differ in their timing, rituals, and cultural context:

In essence, Bhai Dooj is a post-Diwali celebration, while Raksha Bandhan marks the beginning of the festive season. Both highlight the sacred bond between siblings but in their own unique ways.

A good credit score can help you secure lower interest rates on loans and credit cards.

Get Free Credit Score