Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhai Phota in Bengal, Bhai Tika in Nepal, or Yama Dwitiya, is a Hindu festival celebrated on the second day (Dwitiya) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the Hindu month of Kartik (October-November). This festival falls on the second day after Diwali and is dedicated to celebrating the special bond between brothers and sisters. The name 'Bhai Dooj' comes from 'Bhai' meaning brother and 'Dooj' meaning the second day.

According to Hindu mythology, the festival commemorates the visit of Yama, the god of death, to his sister Yamuna. Yama visited his sister on this day, and she performed aarti and applied tilak on his forehead, putting a sacred thread around his wrist. Yama was so pleased with his sister's love and devotion that he declared that any brother who receives tilak from his sister on this day will be protected from untimely death and blessed with long life.

Bhai Dooj is celebrated with great joy and affection across India, with regional variations in customs and traditions. Sisters perform aarti for their brothers, apply tilak (vermilion or roli) on their foreheads, and pray for their long life and well-being. Brothers, in return, give gifts to their sisters and promise to protect them. The festival strengthens family bonds and celebrates the unique relationship between siblings.

Bhai Dooj holds deep spiritual significance as it celebrates the sacred bond between brothers and sisters, which is considered one of the most important relationships in Hindu culture. The festival is based on the legend of Yama and Yamuna, emphasizing love, protection, and mutual care between siblings. It teaches the importance of family values, respect for relationships, and the duty to protect and care for one another.

The ritual of applying tilak by sisters on their brothers' foreheads symbolizes the sister's prayers for her brother's long life, prosperity, and protection from harm. The aarti ceremony represents the sister's love and devotion, while the brother's gifts symbolize his commitment to protect and support his sister. This exchange strengthens the emotional bond and creates a sense of security and belonging.

Bhai Dooj also emphasizes the importance of time spent together and creating memories. The festival encourages siblings to come together, celebrate their relationship, and express their love and gratitude for each other. It serves as a reminder that family bonds are precious and should be cherished and nurtured throughout life, even as families grow and circumstances change.

• Sisters preparing a special puja thali with roli (red powder), rice grains, flowers, diya (lamp), and sweets
• Performing aarti for brothers by circling the thali around them in a clockwise direction
• Applying tilak (vermilion or roli mixed with rice) on the brother's forehead with the ring finger
• Putting a sacred thread (kalava or moli) around the brother's wrist for protection
• Offering sweets and fruits to the brother as prasad after the rituals
• Brothers giving gifts, money, or blessings to their sisters in return
• Brothers promising to protect and support their sisters throughout their lives
• If brothers and sisters are far apart, they perform the rituals through video calls or send gifts and greetings
• Sharing a special meal together, often prepared by the sister or family
• Visiting temples and seeking blessings for the well-being of siblings

Various items are used during Bhai Dooj rituals:

• Roli (Red Powder): Red powder mixed with rice grains, used for applying tilak on the brother's forehead
• Rice Grains: Uncooked rice grains mixed with roli for tilak, symbolizing prosperity and abundance
• Flowers: Fresh flowers, especially marigolds, used in the puja thali and for decoration
• Sweets: Traditional sweets like ladoos, barfis, and pedas prepared or purchased for the brother
• Diya (Oil Lamp): A small oil lamp used for the aarti ceremony, symbolizing light and purity
• Sacred Thread (Kalava/Moli): Red or yellow thread tied around the brother's wrist for protection and blessings