Bhai Dooj 2023

Bhai Dooj — also known as Yam Dwitiya, Bhai Phota, or Bhaubeej — falls on the second day of Kartika's bright fortnight, two days after Diwali. It is the most beloved annual celebration of the bond between brother and sister: the sister applies a tilak (auspicious mark) on her brother's forehead and prays for his long life, while the brother gifts her tokens of love and pledges his protection.

The festival's origin is traced to Yamuna inviting her brother Yama, the god of death, to her home for a meal. Pleased by her hospitality and love, Yama declared that any brother who receives a tilak from his sister on this day and bathes in the Yamuna river will be freed from the fear of untimely death. That is why the day is called Yam Dwitiya.

In West Bengal and Bihar the festival is called Bhai Phota and comes one day after Kali Puja. Sisters prepare special sweets and perform aarti before applying the sandal-paste tilak. In Maharashtra it is called Bhaubeej; sisters light a lamp, draw a rangoli, and seat the brother ceremonially before the puja.