bhai dooj

Bhai Dooj: Celebrating the Sacred Bond of Siblings

Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhai Phonta in Bengal and Bhau Beej in Maharashtra, is a beautiful Hindu festival that celebrates the eternal bond between brothers and sisters. It is observed on the second day of the Shukla Paksha of Kartik month, just after Diwali.

On this day, sisters apply a sacred tilak or phonta on their brothers’ foreheads and pray for their long life, prosperity, and happiness. In return, brothers promise to protect their sisters and often give them gifts as a token of love. The ritual is followed by a traditional feast prepared by the sisters, symbolizing warmth, affection, and unity.

Spiritually, Bhai Dooj signifies the strength of family ties and the importance of sibling relationships in Indian culture. The celebration reflects love, respect, and the sacred duty of caring for one another.