Friday 16 October 2015

Bhai Dooj Gifts- Intensifying the Ties of Family

Bhai Dooj is celebrated along the lines of Rakshabandhan. Familial ties and interpersonal relationships occupy a high position and importance in Indian traditions. And amongst them the endearing relationship between that of sisters and brothers are especially revered and celebrated in the forms of festivals. Both Bhai Dooj and Rakshabandhan are festivals dedicated to the special relationship of the siblings, and the only distinctive features between them is that on Rakshabandhan the sisters tie rakhis and the brothers present gifts to them while on Bhai Dooj, sisters applies the tikka and present gifts for brothers instead. 

The festival of Bhai Dooj falls on the fifth day of Diwali and is celebrated on the second day of the new moon in the month of Kartik. The festival is celebrated under various names such as Bhaiya Duj in Northern India, Bhai Phota in Bengal and Bhau Beej in Maharashtra. The festival is marked by many distinct rituals and celebrations as family reunions and exchange of Bhai Dooj sweets. On the morning of the festival, sisters perform a Puja ceremony praying to the gods for the well-being and prosperity of their brothers. They then apply a tilak or a vermilion markon the foreheads of their brothers to keep them away from harm and also bring good fortune. An important part of festival traditions is the present of Bhai Dooj gifts for brother from the sisters.The gifts for brother on Bhai Dooj signifies the love and devotion of the sisters and also intensifies the bond between the siblings.

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