Bhai Dooj 2023: Step-by-Step Guide to Perform Tilak Ceremony at Home

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• Nov 15, 2023 | Dhupali Das

Marking a celebration of love, care, and support shared among siblings, Bhai Dooj holds cultural significance...

Digital Desk: Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhau Beej, is a cherished Hindu festival that celebrates the unique bond between brothers and sisters. Falling on the Dwitiya Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartik, this auspicious occasion takes place on the fifth day of Diwali, resonating this year on November 15, 2023. Marking a celebration of love, care, and support shared among siblings, Bhai Dooj holds cultural significance.

On this special day, sisters play a pivotal role by performing a puja dedicated to the well-being and longevity of their brothers. This ritual includes applying a tilak (vermilion mark) on their brothers' foreheads, conducting an aarti (ritualistic worship), and offering heartfelt prayers. In return, brothers express their love and protection by gifting tokens of appreciation to their sisters.

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The Tilak Ceremony: A Step-by-Step Guide

The tilak ceremony is a central tradition during Bhai Dooj, symbolizing the strong bond between siblings. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you perform the tilak ceremony at home:

1. Gather Essentials: Collect Kumkum (vermilion), rice grains, and a coin for the tilak.

2. Choose a Sacred Space: Select a clean and auspicious location within your home, ensuring it is tidy and well-lit.

3. Prepare the Mixture: On a small plate, mix kumkum and rice grains. This blend symbolizes good fortune and prosperity.

4. Light a Diya: Illuminate a diya (lamp) to create a sacred ambiance, signifying purity and divine presence.

5. Begin with Prayers: Commence the ceremony by offering prayers to the deities, chanting traditional prayers or mantras that resonate with the significance of Bhai Dooj.

6. Apply Tilak: Using your right hand, apply a small amount of the prepared tilak mixture on your brother's forehead, symbolizing protection and blessings.

7. Perform Aarti: Light an incense stick and conduct aarti in front of your brother, deepening the spiritual connection.

8. Exchange Gifts: Conclude the ceremony by exchanging gifts and sweets with your brother, a heartwarming symbol of love and appreciation for the bond you share.

History and Significance

While no official texts document the origin of Bhai Dooj, a popular belief suggests that on Diwali, Lord Krishna visited his sister Subhadra. She welcomed him by applying a tilak on his forehead, laying the foundation for the Bhai Dooj tradition. This tale signifies the extraordinary bond between brothers and sisters.

Celebrated with diverse regional nuances, such as Phota in West Bengal and Bhao Teej in Maharashtra, Bhai Dooj stands as a testament to the enduring love and camaraderie shared between siblings across India.