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Bhai Dooj is observed on the second day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartik, just after the vibrant festival of Diwali.
Bhai Dooj, closely resembling Raksha Bandhan, holds immense significance in India, emphasising the bond between siblings. The special day is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the nation.
The name of the day combines ‘Bhai’, meaning brother, and ‘dooj’, signifying the second day or Dwitiya Tithi, according to the Hindu calendar. Bhai Dooj falls on the second day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartik, immediately after the vibrant festival of Diwali.
Bhai Dooj is also recognised by various other names such as Bhai Beej, Bhratri Dwitiya, Bhaubeej, Bhai Bij, Bhai Fota, Bhav Bij, Bhatri Ditya, Bhai Phota and Bhai Tika. The auspicious festival of Bhai Dooj marks the culmination of Diwali festivities.
On Bhai Dooj, sisters apply tilak to their brothers’ foreheads and offer prayers for their well-being and long life, symbolising the unbreakable bond between siblings. According to Drik Panchang, this year Bhai Dooj will be observed on Sunday, 3 November.
BHAI DOOJ WISHES: 10 WISHES FOR BROTHERS AND SISTERS
- Happy Bhai Dooj! May this special day deepen our bond and bring us together.
- I’m sending you love and best wishes on Bhai Dooj, my brother. I hope you are always happy and successful.
- Thank you for being my most trusted friend, protector and confidant. Happy Bhai Dooj, brother!
- May the light of this diya lead you to success and happiness. Happy Bhai Dooj!
- Our conflicts may be legendary, but our love remains unshakeable. Happy Bhai Dooj!
- Dear brother, you are more than a sibling; you are my constant source of support. Happy Bhai Dooj!
- I treasure every memory we have created together. Here’s hoping for many more years of fun and love. Happy Bhai Dooj!
- Thank you for always believing in me, even when I had doubts about myself. Happy Bhai Dooj, my beloved brother.
- You are undoubtedly the most important person in my life, thus I wish for the best of health, joy, and wealth for you. Happy Bhai Dooj!
- Here’s wishing you a very happy Bhai Dooj, my sister. I promise to love and protect you till the day I die.
BHAI DOOJ MESSAGES: SEND YOUR WARMEST REGARDS TO SIBLINGS & COUSINS
- Happy Bhai Dooj to the world’s most obnoxious (but secretly beloved) brother!
- Remember when I pulled you out of trouble? Consider this tilak your lifetime membership fee! Happy Bhai Dooj!
- Happy Bhai Dooj to the greatest brother a sister could ask for (provided you share your fries)!
- May your life be as sweet as the mithai I will feed you on Bhai Dooj!
- My brother, you are my continuous source of support—you are more than just my sibling. Greetings on Bhai Dooj.
- I treasure every memory we have had. Many more years of love and fun are ahead of us. Happy Bhai Dooj 2024!
- Despite the distance, our relationship is unbreakable. Happy Bhai Dooj!
- May the years ahead of us witness an increase in our affection for one another. Happy Bhai Dooj!
- I could spend my entire day laughing and arguing like Tom and Jerry. I am willing to maintain the insane nature of our relationships into old age. Greetings on Bhai Dooj!
- I consider myself fortunate to have you as a wonderful brother. I’m wishing you a lifetime of joy, prosperity, and health. Happy Bhai Dooj 2024!
ALSO READ: Diwali 2024: From Dhanteras To Bhai Dooj, Significance Of 5 Days Of Deepavali
BHAI DOOJ 2024: BEAUTIFUL IMAGES TO SHARE
BHAI DOOJ 2024: 5 QUOTES TO CELEBRATE THE SPECIAL BRO-SIS BOND
- “A brother is a friend given by Nature.” – Jean Baptiste
- “As we grew up, my brothers acted like they didn’t care, but I always knew they looked out for me and were there!” – Catherine Pulsifer
- “There’s no other love like the love for a brother.”- Terri Guillemets
- “Your siblings are the only people in the world who know what it’s like to have been brought up the way you were.” – Betsy Cohen
- “Siblings: children of the same parents, each of whom is perfectly normal until they get together.” – Sam Levenson
BHAI DOOJ 2024: RITUALS AND SIGNIFICANCE
Sisters arrange puja thalis with a variety of offerings on this day, such as fruits, betel nut, moli, roli, diya, and chawal. The main event of this celebration is the tilak ritual. The sister applies a paste or mark known as a tilak to her brother’s forehead, made mostly of roli, though occasionally additional materials are included, such as sandalwood paste.
Sister prays for her brother’s long life and well-being as she does aarti. Following that, the sister gives her brother sweets and other gifts. Brothers may return the favour by giving their sisters gifts.
There are numerous mythological stories associated with this day, even though its purpose is to enhance the link between brothers and sisters. The myth of Lord Yama, the god of death, is one of the stories that surround Bhai Dooj. On this day, he is said to have visited his sister Yami.
At that time, she had prayed for his well-being and placed the auspicious Tilak on his forehead. Therefore, it is believed that those who have their sisters apply tilak on their foreheads will never go to hell.
According to another folktale associated with Bhai Dooj, Lord Krishna visited his sister Subhadra’s home after vanquishing the demon Narakasur, and she welcomed him with flowers, sweets, and a holy lamp. On her brother’s forehead, she had also put the auspicious Tilak.
BHAI DOOJ 2024: A STEP-BY-STEP VISUAL GUIDE TO PERFORMING RITUALS
Tilak and Aarti
Preparation: On the occasion of Bhai Dooj, sisters prepare a thali (plate) containing basics such as tilak (vermilion mark), rice, sweets, and aarti items.
Application of Tilak: Sisters apply tilak to their brothers’ foreheads to symbolise their love and protection. Tilak is made using a combination of vermillion, rice, and yoghurt.
Aarti: Sisters do an aarti by circling the thali with a lit diya (lamp) in their hands while praying for their brothers’ well-being.
Exchange of Gifts
Expression of Love: Siblings exchange meaningful gifts as expressions of love and respect. Brothers frequently give gifts to their sisters to express their appreciation.
Feast and Celebration
Family Gathering: Bhai Dooj is an occasion for family reunions. The entire family gathers to honour the closeness between siblings.
Special Meal: Sisters put together a special meal for their brothers, including their favourite dishes. It’s a time for celebratory feasting and sharing.