Bhai Dooj

Bhai Dooj is a cherished Hindu festival celebrated across India, with unique regional customs. In Mithila, it is observed two days after Diwali, while traditionally, it falls on the second day of the Shukla Paksha in the Vikram Samvat Hindu calendar. On this occasion, sisters prepare a special seat for their brothers using rice flour. Once the brother is seated, the sister applies a sacred tika on his forehead, made with vermillion, yogurt, and rice, symbolizing her prayers for his well-being and prosperity.

Bhai Dooj

Next, the sister places an ash gourd flower (kumhar/petha), betel leaves, betel nuts, soaked green gram (mung beans), makhana, and coins in her brother’s palms, then pours water over them while chanting sacred mantras. During the pooja, she recites the mantra: “Ganga puje Yamuna ko, Yami puje Yamraj ko, Subhadra puje Krishna ko, Ganga Yamuna neer bahe mere bhai ki aayu badhe,” which means, "Just as Ganga worships Yamuna, Yami worships Yamraj, and Subhadra worships Krishna, may the waters of the Ganga and Yamuna flow, and may my brother's life increase." She then gives him some green gram and sweets to eat as a blessing. Following this, she ties a kalawa (sacred thread) on his wrist, performs an aarti, and the ceremony concludes with the exchange of gifts and seeking blessings from the elders.

Bhai Dooj

The festival symbolizes a brother's promise to protect his sister from any harm, while the sister offers prayers for her brother's well-being and prosperity.