Bhai Dooj is a special festival celebrated with great enthusiasm in Indian households, bringing brothers and sisters together to pray for each other’s well-being and happiness. In this guide, we will walk you through the customs and significance of Bhai Dooj and how to celebrate it.

Significance of Bhai Dooj 2024

Before diving into the celebration details, it’s important to understand the significance of Bhai Dooj. According to Hindu mythology, this is the day when Mata Yamuna, the sister of Lord Yamraj, applied a “kaala tika” on her brother’s forehead, praying for his long life and prosperity.

The day holds both religious and cultural importance. It is a time when sisters perform rituals, such as applying tilak and performing aarti, to pray for their brothers’ good health and long life.

How to Celebrate Bhai Dooj

Celebrating Bhai Dooj involves specific rituals that hold deep meaning. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare the Aarti Thali: Start by preparing a beautiful aarti thali with haldi (turmeric), kumkum, roli (red powder), and chawal (rice). Some regions also include rice grains as a blessing for the brother. Surround the thali with small diyas And Urli (oil lamps), which are used to honor the fire god Agni, as the festival follows Diwali.
2. Apply Tilak: The next step is for the sister to apply tilak (a mark of honor) on her brother’s forehead. This is followed by performing aarti (a ritual involving prayers) and placing chawal along with the tilak, symbolizing blessings for the brother’s long life.
3. Exchange Sweets: After the tilak and aarti, sweets are exchanged between siblings, marking the celebration with joy and prosperity.
4. Include Lord Ganesh and Ladoo Gopal: In some traditions, people also include prayers for Lord Ganesh and Ladoo Gopal during the aarti.

Rituals and Customs of Bhai Dooj

While some customs are followed universally, there are variations across regions. For example, in certain states, vermilion (sindoor) and rice paste are applied to both brothers’ and sisters’ hands. A combination of betel leaves, nuts, and even a silver coin is sometimes offered to enhance the auspiciousness of the occasion. Some regions also emphasize chanting mantras during the tilak ceremony to pray for the brother’s long life.

What Gifts Are Given on Bhai Dooj?

When it comes to exchanging gifts, there are no strict rules, but some common gifts are exchanged between siblings:

1.Sweets: Sweets are an essential part of Bhai Dooj. They symbolize joy and celebration.