Bhai Dooj is an important Hindu festival in which sisters display their love for their brothers. In 2025, the date of Bhai Dooj after Holi is March 16. Bhai Duj comes twice in a year one after Holi and another after Diwali. The name of the festival ‘Dooj,’ or Duj, denotes that the festival falls on second day after full moon. ‘Bhai’ means brother.
It must be noted here that the Bhai Dooj after Diwali is given more prominence by many Hindu communities.
Both married and unmarried women participate in Bhai Duj. The most important event on the day is the application of teeka or tilak (Vermilion Dot) on brother’s forehead by the sister. She then performs an arati. Usually, the sister visits the brother to do the Holi Bhai Dooj puja.
The puja thali consists of coconut, batashas, mithai (sweets), fruits, seven paans, roli and a little rice.
The puja thali consists of coconut, batashas, mithai (sweets), fruits, seven paans, roli and a little rice.
The sister lights the Puja lamp and does a small puja. She then applies tika on the forehead of the brother and gives him sweet, other eatables and a piece of coconut.
In some regions, sisters are given presents by the brother. In some regions, the custom of giving presents is given a skip.
In Hindu way of life, family ties are of great importance and it is kept throughout the life. Therefore in every major Hindu festivals and Hindu functions there is some ritual for family members and relatives.