The five-day-long Diwali celebrations will come to an end today (November 6) with the Bhai Dooj festivities.
Observed on the second lunar day of Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) in the Vikram Samvat Hindu calendar or of Shalivahan Shaka calendar month of Kartika, Bhai Dooj is a festival where a sister applies tika or tilak on her brother's forehead and blesses him with good health and prosperity. It is also a day when sisters invite their brothers for a full-fledged sumptuous meal that includes their favourite dishes/sweets.
Just like rakhi, the underlying significance of this festival too is to highlight a brother's duty to protect his sister. However, with several changes being made to how festivals are celebrated and what they signify, Bhai Dooj is also about the whole family gathering to celebrate togetherness and oneness.
In the traditional style of observing the festival, sisters first perform an aarti of their brothers and apply a red tika on the brother's forehead. This tika signifies a sister's deepest and heartfelt prayers for her brother, wherein she wishes for her brother's long life and happiness.
While sisters perform the tilak act, brothers shower their sisters with love, blessings and also presents to make the day even more special.
The auspicious festival of Bhai Dooj, known by several other names such as Bhai Beej or Bhau Beej in Maharashtra and Gujarat, Bhai Tika in Nepal and Bhai Pota or Bhsi Phonta in West Bengal, is celebrated across India.
Here are some Bhai Dooj messages you could send to your brother:
- Dear Bhaiyya, I may have fought a lot with you, but you know how much I love you. Life without you is meaningless. Keep showering your endless love on me, and I shall always be by your side when you need me the most. Happy Bhai Dooj.
- The memories of our silly flights, craziness, and fun may fade away with time but the love we share will only grow with time. Happy Bhai Dooj!
- Bhai, together we laughed, together we cried, the affection in between is immense. We both make the best team together… Cheers to all the beautiful moments of childhood!!!
Happy Bhaiya Dooj!!!
- You mean the world to me bhai. May the beautiful relationship we share, strengthen our bond more. Best wishes for Bhai Dooj!
- Brother and sister
Together as friends,
Ready to face
Whatever life sends.
Happy Bhai Dooj!
- May this Bhai Dooj add sweetness to your life and bring your endless joy. Best wishes for Bhai Dooj!
- My brother is my best friend. You stand by me when I am alone you make feel happy when I am low. Thanks for being for me always Dear Brother. Happy Bhaidooj.
- Bhaiyaa, you are someone I admire and look up to, with lots and lots of love wishing you. Happy Bhai Dooj
- Bhai Dooj is a festival of prayers from sister to brother, brother's protection for her sister. May this year we all celebrate it with even more love and protection for our sisters and brothers. Best wishes on this Bhai Dooj.
- I wouldn't have been the person I am today, had I not had your back. I couldn't have mustered the courage to do things had you not boosted my morale. This Bhai Dooj here's telling you that I love you to the moon and back.
- On this auspicious day, may you be showered with blessing and success in your life. Happy Bhai Dooj!