BHAI DOOJ

The celebration of traditional festivals constitutes an important part of the Indian lifestyle. One of the most awaited festival is Bhaiya-dooj, where Bhaiya meaning brother, and dooj indicate two days after new moon, ie, two days after Diwali in Kartik month of Hindu calendar. On Bhai Dooj, girls in colorful costumes perform Aarti for their brothers in a symbolic affirmation of their sisterly bond. On this day, sisters pray for their brothers and express the love that exist between brothers and sisters.

This tradition probably started a long time ago when women used to be very vulnerable and depended on their families and relatives for protection. In spite of having her own father to protect her, a girl might also require the assurance from someone else, at least when her father would become old or pass away. Thus the responsibility of helping her during any need probably was assigned to her brother or brothers. On this day, women are given gifts from their brothers and held in the highest respect.

The rituals performed on this day starts with a common prayer, where every member of the family is supposed to attend the puja. Then, sisters puts tilak, the holy protective spot on her brother's forehead. After which there is a custom of performing Aarti, done by sisters to ward off all the evil effects surrounding their beloved brothers. In turn, the sisters are decked up with gifts, goodies and blessings from their brothers.

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