Bhai Dooj, also popularly known as Bhai Tika, Bhau Beej, or Bhai Phota in various regions of India, is a festival of celebration of the profound bond between siblings. Bhai Dooj comes right after Diwali, and this festival is celebrated with unique traditions and rituals across various regions of the country. In this article, we will have a look at the different ways the festival is celebrated in various parts of India. We will explore the rituals, dishes and regional customs in each region.
In Northern India, sisters invite their brothers to their homes and welcome them with a special “aarti”, praying for their long life and well-being. Sisters apply a red vermillion tikka on their brothers’ foreheads, welcome them with a special aarti with diyas, and offer sweets to express their gratitude and best wishes.
A highlight in Northern households is the speciality of traditional dishes. From fragrant pulao and spicy curries to mouth-watering sweets like ladoos and halwas, the meal is a feast that reflects the spirit of the occasion. Brothers, in return, give presents and monetary tokens to their sisters.
In Maharashtra and Gujarat, the festival is known as Bhau Beej. The day starts with sisters performing a ritual by applying a tika made of vermillion and rice paste on their brothers’ foreheads, followed by prayers for their prosperity. The brothers reciprocate by giving their sisters gifts and promising lifelong support.
A unique aspect of Bhau Beej in these regions is the specific dishes prepared, like puran poli (a sweet flatbread filled with jaggery and lentils) in Maharashtra, and shrikhand, a flavored yogurt dessert in Gujarat. The celebration is less about the pomp and more about an intimate family gathering, where relatives share stories, laugh together, and enjoy the comfort of home-cooked food.
In West Bengal and Odisha, Bhai Dooj is known as Bhai Phota. This is one of the most elaborate Bhai Dooj celebrations in India, featuring traditional mantras and rituals that add a cultural depth to the festival. Sisters begin the ritual by drawing a square with rice paste and sitting their brothers within it. They apply a tika made of sandalwood paste, vermillion, and rice on their brothers' foreheads while chanting mantras that express wishes for long life and happiness.
A key feature in Bengali homes on Bhai Phota is the array of traditional dishes prepared, including mishti (sweets), luchi (fried bread), and aloo dum (spicy potato curry). This meal, often followed by delectable desserts such as rasgulla and sandesh, reflects the sweet bond between siblings and adds a flavorful layer to the celebration.
In Southern India, the festival is sometimes known as Yama Dwitiya, linking it with the mythological story of Lord Yama, the god of death, visiting his sister Yamuna. According to legend, he blessed her with protection, and thus, it became a day to honor sibling relationships. Sisters perform rituals, apply the tika, and pray for their brothers' well-being.
In Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, festive dishes include obbattu (a type of stuffed flatbread) and payasam (a sweet pudding). The simplicity of the rituals here highlights the symbolic meaning of the festival, with families coming together to express their wishes for health and prosperity.
The core values of Bhai Dooj—love, protection, and gratitude—are timeless and remain at the heart of this festival. Whether celebrated with traditional feasts or modern tweaks, Bhai Dooj continues to be a cherished occasion that strengthens sibling bonds across India, bridging generations with love and tradition.
