The origins of Bhai Dooj trace back to ancient Hindu mythology. It is a festival that is linked to two main legends. One legend talks about the relationship between Lord Yama, the god of death, and his sister Yamuna. The story unfolds as, on this day, Lord Yama pays his visit to Yamuna’s house. Yamuna is thrilled about her brother’s company, performs aarti, and applies tilak to her brother’s forehead as a mark of love and respect. Touched by his sister’s love and hospitality, Yama grants Yamuna a boon. He declares that any brother who receives a tilak from his sister on this auspicious day will be blessed with abundant health and well-being. According to this legend, Bhai Dooj or Yama Dwitya is a celebration of the sacred, spiritual and divinely blessed bond between a brother and sister. This tradition reflects the history of Bhau Beej, symbolizing the protection and well-being of brothers through the ritual of tilak.

The other legend is that of Lord Krishna and his sister Subhadra. According to the legend, after Lord Krishna defeated the demon Nakasura, Subhadra welcomed Lord Krishna with love and affection. Proud of her brother’s victory, she applied tilak and performed an aarti. The application of the tilak as a customary ritual finds its roots in this story of Lord Krishna and Subhadra. It denotes the strength of a sister’s prayers for the well-being, prosperity, and protection of her brother. 

Bhai Dooj is celebrated on the second lunar day of Shukla Paksha of Kartika, the eighth month of the Vikram Samvat Hindu calendar. It holds a unique spot as it marks the culmination of the five-day-long festival of Diwali. It signifies the triumph of light over darkness and righteousness over evil. It is a day that manifests the unwavering bond of love, trust and protection between siblings. It is the day when brothers and sisters reaffirm their commitment to each other. Siblings and families come together, keeping aside their differences to promote the value of love and respect within the family.

The rituals and ceremonies of Bhai Dooj are steeped in tradition and ancient heritage. On this day, sisters invite their brothers to their homes. Preparations begin in the early morning hours, as sisters create a rangoli at the entrance of their homes as a gesture of grand welcome for their brothers. This is followed by a Tilak ceremony, which is the true essence and heart of Bhai Dooj. Sisters prepare a thali with ceremonial items such as rice, vermillion, sweets and lit diya. As brothers sit facing their sisters, the sisters apply tilak on their foreheads using the vermillion paste and topping it with rice. It is applied on the forehead between the eyebrows, the spot where one’s third eye is known to be found. The vermillion represents well-being and longevity, and the rice symbolises growth and prosperity. By applying the Tilak, sisters pray for their brother’s safety and success. The tilak is also considered a spiritual protection against evil influences. They perform their brother’s aarti with the decorated thali and circle the diya to ward off evil and invite diving blessings. They then offer sweets to their brothers as a wish for a prosperous life. Reciprocating this gesture of love, the brothers bless their sisters by showering them with gifts. 

Bhai Dooj is celebrated with pomp and joy in almost every state in India. In Maharashtra and Goa, it is known as Bhau Beej. The rituals remain the same as the rest of the country, but sisters prepare a traditional meal called Bhaubeejche Bhan. A spread that is made of puran poli, shrikhand and other regional delicacies. West Bengal celebrates Bhai Phonta on this day, where sisters fast until they have performed the tilak ceremony. A traditional feast including Bengali sweets like Sandesh and Rasgulla follows it. In Gujarat, families and siblings gather in merriment to celebrate Bhai Beej. The festivities include the tilak ceremony, a grand feast, the exchange of gifts and playful activities that symbolise the joyful bond they share. 

The diverse ways in which Bhai Dooj is celebrated across India testify to the rich cultural tapestry of tradition that the country holds. Despite the changes brought about by modernity, the core values of Bhai Dooj remain unchanged, highlighting the enduring strength of sibling relationships. 

Celebrated as part of the abundant Hindu festival of Diwali, Bhai Dooj sees everyone adorned in traditional Indian silhouettes that are rich in cultural significance and aesthetic appeal. It emphasises the importance of tradition, heritage and familial ties.

Women’s clothing during Bhai Dooj is characterised by elegance, intricacy and artisanal craftsmanship. Women are seen wearing timelessly elegant sarees, usually made of a myriad of fabrics like cotton, silk, crepe, and georgette. The most popular silk sarees are traditionally Banarasi, Kanjeevaram and Tussar silk, based on the celebration region. They are adorned with design motifs like paisleys, peacocks and intricate floral patterns that are manifested on the fabric through weaving or zari embroidery. These sarees are made by artisans who use heritage handloom weaving techniques and hand embroidery skills that are passed to them through generations. 

Women in West Bengal famously wear Garad sarees, characterised by their white bodies and thick red borders. Maharashtrian women take their Nauvari sarees from their closets as they get ready on the morning of Bhau Beej.

Women are also seen wearing a salwar kameez paired with a dupatta. Usually in handcrafted styles like Phulkari or Chikankari, these comfortable ensembles get a grand touch of elegance and glimmer. Many young girls and children are seen in an embellished lehenga choli set.

Known for their breathability and ease of comfort, they are the most preferred choice for a grand and festive look. Typically crafted from silk, velvet, georgette and brocade, the lehenga is either a circular cut or panelled long skirt with heavy embellishment and intricate designs. In most parts of India, girls wear lehengas that are decorated exquisitely in zardozi embroidery, mirror work and beadwork. 

Kurta Pyjamas are a favourite in men’s festive wardrobes. Kurtas are usually made from Indian artisanal textiles like cotton, silk, and linen. Opting for a silk or brocade kurta achieves the evening sheen. They are typically embellished with intricate chikankari or kantha embroidery, usually in paisley or floral motifs. Men in Gujarat usually wear a kurta made of bandhani or mirror work. Rajasthani men opt for their ever-charming bandh gala and pair it with a dhoti or churidar. Many men also wear a dhoti wrapped around their legs with an angavastram. Wearing a dhoti pays homage and respect to our ancient culture and traditions and is usually associated with purity and simplicity. Many men also wear a sherwani to enhance the grandeur and luxury of the festivities. Made from rich fabrics like silk, brocade and velvet, they provide a sturdy base for heavy embroidery. Heavy zardozi and beadwork inspired by Mughal heritage patterns are designed to create contemporary ensembles. 

Getting dressed in traditional Indian attire during the Bhai Dooj is an ode to Diwali's cultural significance. It is a way to preserve and honour the cultural heritage.