3 November•Krishna Paksha Navami

Bhai Dooj

Bhai Dooj

Bhai Dooj is the festival of brothers and sisters, kept on Kartika Shukla Dwitiya, two days after Diwali.

CategoryMajor Festival

Significance & Spiritual Meaning

Spiritual philosophy, inner meaning and eternal virtues

Significance & Spiritual Meaning

Bhai Dooj is the festival of brothers and sisters, kept on Kartika Shukla Dwitiya, two days after Diwali.

Spiritual philosophy, inner meaning and eternal virtues

The sister applies a tilak on her brother's forehead and prays for his long life, and the brother gives her a gift and promises to protect her. Its legend is that Yama, the god of death, visited his sister Yamuna on this day and she welcomed him with a tilak. It is known as Bhai Phonta in Bengal, Bhau Beej in Maharashtra and Bhai Tika in Nepal.

Key Rituals & Observance

Step-by-step sacred rituals and worship practices

  1. 1Step 1

    The sister does an aarti, applies the tilak and offers sweets.

  2. 2Step 2

    The brother gives a gift and takes a blessing.

  3. 3Step 3

    A family meal, often with the brother at the sister's home.