After a sparkling, fun-filled night of Diwali comes Bhai Dooj- the day akin to the celebration of Raksha Bandhan when sisters pray for their success, well-being and prosperity.
Though the celebration differs from region to region in India, it essentially involves sisters applying bhai dooj tikka (vermillion (roli), saffron and rice) on their brothers’ foreheads as an emblem of their affection. To rejoice the spirit of the occasion, GiftaLove takes a look at some eccentric bhai dooj traditions all around India.
North India: Generally in this region, sisters put bhai dooj tikka on the forehead of the brothers and tie a red thread on their wrists. Afterwards, sisters chant a customary couplet “Suraj chhadiyan rashma, mooli chhadiyan bee… behn bhra nu tikka laye, vira tu lakh sawrein jee…..” which asks for brother’s longevity. In return, brothers gift bhai dooj gifts(https://www.giftalove.com/bhaidooj) or money to sisters.
Bengal: The celebration is famous as Bhai Pota in Bengal. Sisters at night before the celebration put out a bowl to collect dew which is then applied onto brother’s forehead the next day in the morning along with tikka and a prayer.
Bihar: In Bihar sisters start their bhai dooj tradition by cursing heir brothers. After then, they prick their tongue with the wild leaves having thorns as a punishment for their cursing and previous mistakes, then they pray for their brothers’ long life. Following this after the puja brothers are given sweets with bajari. This bajari has to be swallowed or chewed by the brother.
Uttar Pradesh: In UP, flax is twisted in a circular way and dotted with roli. In the center batashas are placed. Then the store of bhai dooj is recited as the sisters put bhai dooj tikka on their forehead.
Sakshi Ecavade is our in-house content developer having a good understanding about the gifting industry. She creates quality content surrounding flowers, chocolates, plants, cakes, and other products which makes excellent gifts for the people. Accurate and authentic information is what she tries to deliver through her blogs.