Bhai-Dooj 2022: A Brother-Sister Festival! Here is how Bhai Dooj is celebrated in different states of India
Nowhere is the bond as pure as brother-sister, and their love is glorified with grandeur as in India. Hindus celebrate this special relationship twice every year, with the festivals of Raksha Bandhan and Bhai-Dooj. Therefore, today, we will know the significance behind this festival. We are celebrating Bhai-Dooj 2022 on 26 October this year.
What, When & How is it celebrated?
After the high voltage celebrations of Diwali, the festival of lights and fire-crackers, sisters all over India get ready for the festival of ‘Bhai-Dooj’ – when sisters celebrate their love by further putting an auspicious tilak or a vermilion mark on the forehead of their brothers and perform an aarti of him by showing him the light of the holy flame which is considered as a mark of love and protection from evil forces. Sisters are also lavished with gifts, goodies, and blessings from their brothers.
Bhai-Dooj comes every year on Diwali’s fifth and last day, which falls on a new moon night. The name ‘Dooj’ means the second day after the new moon, the day of the festival, and ‘Bhai’ means brother.
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Here is how different states celebrate Bhai-dooj?
Bhai Phota in Bengal
In Bengal, this event is called ‘Bhai Phota’, performed by the sister. She religiously fasts until the sister applies a ‘phota or phonta’ or mark with sandalwood paste on her brother’s forehead, offers their brother sweets and gifts, and prays for his long and healthy life.
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Every brother in India eagerly awaits this occasion that further reinforces the bond between brothers and sisters and their affectionate relationship. It’s an opportunity for a good feast at the sister’s place, an enthusiastic exchange of gifts, and merriment amid the resounding conch shells in every Bengali household.
Yama Dwitiya in Bihar
Bhai Dooj is celebrated as “Yama Dwitiya” in Bihar. It is entirely different from the other states. It is believed that Yama, the God of Death and Dharam, takes along those people who were never cursed by others.
Therefore, during “Yama Dwitiya”, as per tradition, sisters hurl curses and abuse on brothers, hoping to keep Yama away from them. After that, the sisters have to pierce their own tongues as a punishment and seek forgiveness.
Bhau Beej in Maharashtra
In Maharashtra, the festival of Bhai Dooj is known as “Bhau Beej’. As per tradition, the sister makes a square on the floor, and the brother has to sit in it.
After that, she applies tika on his forehead, does aarti, and eats a fruit known as “Karith”. Also, their sister prays for her brother’s well-being and prosperity.
Bhatru Dwitiya in South India
The festival is celebrated as Bhatru Dwitiya in Odisha and South India. It marks the bond of love between Yama, the God of Death and his sister, the Yamuna. Yama Puja is also observed on this day, and on the very next day, Sodari Tritya is observed.
Underlying Significance
Further, like all other Hindu festivals, Bhai-Dooj has much to do with family ties and social attachments. It brings some good times, especially for a married girl, to get together with her family and share the post-Diwali glee.
Nowadays, sisters who due, for some reason, are unable to meet their brothers send their tika – the spot of protection – in an envelope by post.
Virtual tilaks and Bhai-Dooj e-cards have also made it even easier for brothers and sisters who are far from each other, especially to remember their siblings on this auspicious occasion.
How are you celebrating Bhai-Dooj 2022? Tell us in the comments.
