Bhai Duj, also known as Bhai Dooj, Bhau Beej, or Bhathru Dwithiya, is a Hindu festival that celebrates the love and bond between brothers and sisters. Celebrated two days after Diwali, this festival is similar in sentiment to Raksha Bandhan, though it has distinct rituals and cultural significance. On Bhai Duj, sisters perform a special prayer for their brothers’ long life, happiness, and prosperity, while brothers vow to protect and support their sisters. The day is filled with family gatherings, exchange of gifts, and joyous celebrations that strengthen the bond of sibling love.
Bhai Duj Dates in India for 2024, 2025, and 2026
Here are the dates for Bhai Duj in India for the upcoming years:
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 03/11/2024 | Sunday |
| 2025 | 23/10/2025 | Thursday |
| 2026 | 12/11/2026 | Thursday |
The Significance of Bhai Duj in India
Bhai Duj is an important festival that symbolises the protective bond between brothers and sisters. The name “Bhai Duj” translates to “brother’s second,” referring to the second day after the new moon, when the festival is celebrated. According to Hindu mythology, the festival originated when Yamraj, the god of death, visited his sister Yami on this day. Yami welcomed her brother with a special meal, applied a tilak (mark) on his forehead, and prayed for his long life. Touched by her affection, Yamraj declared that brothers who receive a tilak from their sisters on this day would enjoy long life and prosperity. This legend forms the basis of the Bhai Duj ritual, where sisters pray for their brothers’ well-being, and brothers express their gratitude and promise of protection.
The festival also reflects the importance of family ties in Indian culture and the special relationship between siblings, which is nurtured through rituals, prayers, and the exchange of gifts.
How Bhai Duj is Celebrated in India
Bhai Duj is celebrated with various rituals and traditions, depending on the region, but the essence of the festival remains the same – the expression of love and protection between brothers and sisters.
- Tilak Ceremony: The central ritual of Bhai Duj involves the sister applying a tilak or tika on her brother’s forehead. This tilak is often made from sandalwood paste, vermilion, or saffron, and is considered a symbol of protection and blessings. After applying the tilak, the sister performs an aarti (a ritual of light) for her brother, praying for his health, long life, and happiness.
- Prayers and Rituals: Sisters also offer prayers to Yamraj, the god of death, for the longevity of their brothers. They light lamps, offer sweets and fruits, and recite mantras that invoke the blessings of the gods for their brothers’ protection and prosperity.
- Exchange of Gifts: Following the rituals, brothers and sisters exchange gifts as a token of their love and affection. Brothers typically give gifts to their sisters as a gesture of appreciation and protection, while sisters offer sweets and other tokens of love. The exchange of gifts strengthens the bond between siblings and adds joy to the celebrations.
- Family Gatherings and Feasts: Bhai Duj is also a time for family reunions and festive meals. Families come together to celebrate the occasion with traditional dishes, sweets, and snacks. Special meals are prepared, and the day is marked by laughter, joy, and the warmth of family togetherness.
Bhai Duj in Different Parts of India
Bhai Duj is celebrated in various regions across India, with slight variations in rituals and customs depending on the local culture.
- North India: In states like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Bihar, Bhai Duj is celebrated with great enthusiasm. The tilak ceremony is followed by prayers and the exchange of gifts, and families gather for festive meals. In some regions, brothers visit their sisters’ homes for the rituals, making the occasion even more special.
- Maharashtra and Gujarat (Bhau Beej): In Maharashtra and Gujarat, the festival is known as Bhau Beej. Sisters perform the tilak ceremony and offer special meals to their brothers. Brothers, in return, give gifts to their sisters and take a vow to protect them. The festival is celebrated with a lot of joy and enthusiasm, with families coming together to celebrate sibling love.
- West Bengal (Bhai Phota): In West Bengal, Bhai Duj is known as Bhai Phota. Sisters fast until the tilak ceremony is completed, after which they apply a tika on their brothers’ foreheads and offer prayers for their well-being. The ritual is followed by a lavish meal, and the festival is celebrated with a lot of pomp and splendour.
- Nepal (Bhai Tika): In Nepal, Bhai Duj is celebrated as Bhai Tika, and it is one of the most important festivals in the country. Sisters perform a five-coloured tilak on their brothers’ foreheads and offer prayers for their protection. Brothers give gifts to their sisters, and the day is marked by feasts and family gatherings.
Bhai Duj – A Celebration of Love, Protection, and Family Bonds
Bhai Duj is a heartfelt celebration of the special bond between brothers and sisters. It reinforces the values of love, protection, and mutual respect that define the sibling relationship in Indian culture. Through rituals, prayers, and the exchange of gifts, Bhai Duj serves as a reminder of the unbreakable bond between siblings and the importance of family ties.
The festival not only strengthens the bond between brothers and sisters but also brings families together in a spirit of joy and gratitude. It is a day of celebrating familial love, expressing gratitude, and reaffirming the protective bond that exists between siblings.
More Information about Bhai Duj in India
- Is Bhai Duj a public holiday in India? Bhai Duj is observed as a restricted public holiday in many states across India, particularly in northern and western states. It is celebrated with rituals, prayers, and family gatherings, similar to Raksha Bandhan.
- How is Bhai Duj celebrated in India? Bhai Duj is celebrated with a tilak ceremony, where sisters apply a tika on their brothers’ foreheads and pray for their well-being. The ritual is followed by the exchange of gifts and family feasts, strengthening the bond between siblings.
- What is the significance of Bhai Duj in Indian culture? Bhai Duj symbolises the protective bond between brothers and sisters. The festival celebrates the love and care that siblings share, with sisters praying for their brothers’ long life and happiness, and brothers promising to protect their sisters.
- Where are the major Bhai Duj celebrations held in India? Bhai Duj is celebrated throughout India, particularly in northern states like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Bihar. The festival is marked by traditional rituals, prayers, and the exchange of gifts, with families coming together to celebrate.