Bhai Duj

Bhai Dooj is one of the major festivals of India, also spelt as Bhaidooj, Bhaiduj or Bhai Duj. The festival is celebrated between brothers and sisters to strengthen the bond of love they share. On this auspicious day, sisters put tilak on their brother's forehead and pray for their long life. In return, brothers pamper their sisters and promise them to stand by their side in all hardships of life.

Customs and Traditions

Bhai-Dooj is a Hindu festival that celebrates the love and affection between a brother and a sister. 'Bhai' means brother and 'Dooj' means two days after new moon. It is one of the most awaited festival in India. Every year the festival comes two days after Diwali in Kartik month.

Regional Significiance

The second day of Shukla Paksh, the bright forthnight of Kartik is called Bhaiyaduj. There are various names of this festival. Known by the name of bhai-dooj in the Hindi-speaking belt, it is called "Bhav-Bij" in the Marathi-speaking communities and in Nepal, people know this festival by the name of "Bhai-Tika".

There are various distinct ways in which this beautiful festival is solemnized. But the features that are common in all rituals is the act of smearing a tilak of roli (vermilion), kesar (saffron) and rice on the brother's forehead by their sister as a mark of their love and protection.

Uttar Pradesh: In Uttar Pradesh, the brother is gifted with an `aabf- a length of flax, knotted into a circular shape and dotted with sugar batashas. There are two aabs for each brother. After performing all the rituals that include the sister applying a tilak of roli and rice on her brother's forehead and praying him with an aarti to shed off all the evil effects, the story of Bhai Dooj is narrated.

Punjab: In Punjab, the day following Diwali is known as tikka when sisters make a paste with saffron and rice and place an auspicious mark on their brother's foreheads as a symbolic gesture to ward off all harm.

Bengal: In Bengal this event is called 'Bhai Phota', which is performed by the sister who religiously fasts until she applies a 'phota' or mark with sandal wood paste on her brother's forehead, offers him sweets and gifts and prays for his long and healthy life. Diyas and incense sticks are an integral part of the ceremony. An aarti is also performed.

Bihar: In Bihar, sisters repeat the behavior of the central character of the story of Bhai Dooj, where a sister saves her brother life by cursing him until he gets married. The curse is seen as a mean to ward off all the dangers and evil effects of the spirits surrounding the brother. The sisters of Bihar start this day by showering choicest of curses on their brothers. After doing so, they prick their own tongues as punishment, with a thorny, wild fruit and ask for their brothers' forgiveness for the curses, and also for past mistakes. There is also a unique custom of brother eating grains of bajri with water, from their sisters' hands.

Bhai Dooj Gift Ideas for Brothers and Sisters

For Brothers

Nowadays men are becoming more image and style conscious. Selecting a gift for them on Bhai Dooj has not been an easy task. There is a tremendous pressure on sister every year to gift something new and exciting to her brother. However, with little thought, planning and of course your love and affection for brother, this problem could be solved in an effective manner. To help you select that awesome Bhai Dooj Gift for dearest brother checks out these interesting ideas:

• Wrist Watches: These are a much appreciated gift on the occasion of Bhai Dooj. Available in amazing variety today, all men love to keep a good collection of them.
• Puja Thali Hampers: A gift that is very traditional and adds an auspicious touch to the festival. This is an excellent gift option. The pooja thali is usually accompanied by bhai dooj ingredients or sweets. A charming Puja Thali Hamper will surely please your brother.
• Gift Hampers: A huge variety of ready-made gift hampers is available in the market today. Apparel be it shirt, kurta pyjama, tie or trousers, it is an evergreen Bhai Dooj gift for brothers. A stylish dress will flatter your brother’s personality.
• Sweets/Chocolates Hampers: Present your brother his favorite sweets and chocolates and let the festival have a sweet memory.
• Dry Fruit Hamper: This is a traditional gift for the occasion of Bhai Dooj .
• Gadgets: All men love gadgets. Give them useful and stylish gadgets for them to style around.
• Gifts for Bhaiyya-Bhabhi: To build stronger family ties, plan a gift for your brother's wife too. You will find a good variety of dual-gift-sets for bhaiyya and bhabhi these days.
• Gift Hampers: A huge variety of ready-made gift hampers is available in the market today.

For Sisters

Well, sisters like anything that is given to her by her dearest brother. However, a thoughtful gift goes a long way in building a more mature and strong relationship. So this Bhai Dooj give a gift which your sister will cherish all her life. Some wonderful Bhai Dooj Gift Ideas for Sisters are as follows:

• Jewelry and Jewelry Box: Women love jewelry. Go in for diamond, gold, pearls or fashion jewelry. Make your choice as per your budget. Necklace sets, earrings, bracelets, and hair accessories are a popular Bhai Dooj gifts for sisters. Jewelry boxes are very much appreciated too. Why dont you get both the gifts ?
• Bags: Handcrafted and embroidered bags, beaded bags, totes, purses, trendy clutches are excellent gift options.
• Soft Toys Hampers : Soft toys are a girl’s best friends. Give your loving sister a teddy with her favorite chocolates or flowers or both.
• Show-Pieces: Show pieces come in entrancing designs to attract anyone. Just select the one that appeals most to the eye and suits the budget.
• Flowers and Chocolates: This is a great combo.
• Perfumes: A gift of aromatic perfume can be a perfect gift for your sister.