BHAI DOOJ

Bhai Dooj Teeka is a mark of auspiciousness. On this festive day, the sisters put teeka, the on the forehead with vermilion, sandal paste, roli or kumkum (red turmeric).

According to the Hindu scriptures say: "A forehead without a Tilak is worthy of condemnation and they exist for name’s sake only." Thus, one can very well imagine the importance of teeka or the sacred mark for Hindus.

On this day, the sisters makes the arrangement for the Teeka in a puja thali. A combination of sandal wood paste, red vermilion or a roli is used to draw the teeka along with few grains of rice. The sisters make their brothers sit on an 'Asana' and draws the Bhai Dooj Teeka on the forehead of the brother. If the sister is elder then she blesses her brother with rice grains and 'Dubya' when the brother touches her feet. After this the brothers are served sweets and then the whole family engages into singing songs, play games and anything that is enjoyed.

Bhai Dooj Teeka is applied at the space between the two eyebrows. There are various methods of applying teeks, but on the festive occasion of Bhai Dooj, sisters usually apply a vertical line on the forehead. The fingers used for applying Tilak are the ring-finger and the thumb. Bahi Dooj Teeka is further decorated with unbroken rice grains. When they apply Teeka, they say: "O Lord, protect my Brother from the evil effects existing in this world and from its binding cords."

The teeka applied on the forehead of brothers represents firmness, brilliance, honor, respect and faith of a sister. These are the blessings achieved by applying Teeka with the ring-finger. Through Bhai Dooj Teeka, the sister wishes life-force, health, and longevity to her brothers. The unbroken rice grains symbolizes steadfastness and firmness of the brain and is also a symbol of peace.

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