Why we celebrate Bhai Dooj and how to do the puja right

As Diwali’s sparkle slowly fades, Bhai Dooj arrived today like a warm encore to the festive symphony. Falling on the second day after Diwali (this year after two days, October 23rd) this festival celebrates the sacred bond between brothers and sisters, a relationship that is more than just fights over the TV remote or who stole the last laddoo. Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhau Beej in Maharashtra or Bhai Tika in Nepal, is a day that symbolises love, protection, and lifelong togetherness.

The story behind Bhai Dooj

Legend has it that Lord Yama, the god of death, visited his sister Yamuna on this day. She welcomed him with an aarti, applied a tilak on his forehead, and offered him sweets. Touched by her love, Yama declared that any brother who receives a tika and prayers from his sister on this day will be blessed with long life and happiness. And thus began a tradition that continues centuries later, proving once again that Indian festivals never miss a chance to mix myth with emotion.

How to do the Bhai Dooj puja

The Bhai Dooj puja is simple yet deeply symbolic. Sisters prepare a thali filled with roli, rice, diya, sweets, and a small coconut. After performing the aarti, the sister applies a tilak (or tika) on her brother’s forehead while chanting the Bhai Dooj mantra, “Yamuna brata kare, Yamraj ke sang. Bhai Dooj ke din, bhai ke sukh ki kamna kare.”

It is believed that this ritual removes negativity and blesses the brother with prosperity. In return, the brother promises to protect his sister and often seals the deal with gifts or cash (because, let’s be honest, no Indian festival ends without a little gifting drama!).

More than a ritual, a heartfelt celebration

In a time when we are often too busy to call our siblings back, Bhai Dooj becomes a gentle reminder to pause, reconnect, and celebrate family. Whether you perform the puja in person or over a video call, the emotion remains the same, pure, protective, and full of love.