Story Behind Bhai Dooj: Why sisters apply tilak on brother's forehead, rituals, and significance explained

Bhai Dooj is a beloved festival that celebrates the special bond between brothers and sisters. Observed just after Diwali, it marks the fifth and final day of the festival of lights. The occasion symbolizes lifelong love, protection, and mutual respect between siblings. Sisters pray for their brothers’ health and prosperity, while brothers reaffirm their promise to care for and support their sisters.

In 2025, Bhai Dooj will be celebrated on Thursday, October 23, bringing the Diwali festivities to a close. The day is marked by affectionate rituals, gift exchanges, and moments that strengthen family bonds.

The Mythological Story Behind Bhai Dooj
The origins of Bhai Dooj trace back to ancient Hindu mythology. A popular legend revolves around Yamraj, the god of death, and his sister, Yamuna.

After a long time, Yamuna invited her brother to visit her home. She welcomed him with warmth, applied a tilak on his forehead, and performed an aarti, praying for his well-being and happiness. Moved by her love and devotion, Yamraj granted a blessing: any brother who receives a tilak from his sister and shares a meal with her on this day would be blessed with health, prosperity, and a long life.

Since then, this tradition has been celebrated annually as Bhai Dooj.

Why Sisters Apply Tilak on Bhai Dooj
On Bhai Dooj, sisters apply a tilak (a sacred mark) on their brothers’ foreheads as a symbol of love, protection, and blessings. This ritual is deeply rooted in Hindu tradition and signifies the sister’s prayers for her brother’s long life, health, and prosperity.

The tilak is usually made of roli (red vermilion) mixed with turmeric or haldi, and is often accompanied by sweets, rice grains (akshat), and prayers. In return, brothers bless their sisters and often give gifts as a token of love and respect.

This simple yet meaningful ceremony strengthens the bond between siblings and serves as a reminder of their lifelong promise to support and care for each other.

Significance of Tilak in Hindu Tradition
In Hindu culture, the tilak is a sacred mark applied on the forehead, symbolizing auspiciousness, protection, and spiritual energy. It is considered a sign of respect, devotion, and blessing, often used during religious ceremonies, rituals, and festivals.

Bhai Dooj Rituals and Symbolism Explained

• Preparation for the Ritual

The day begins with cleaning the home and setting up a small puja area. Sisters decorate the puja thali with roli (vermilion), rice, sandalwood paste, a diya (lamp), sweets, betel nuts, and often include fruits and dry fruits as offerings.

• The Tilak Ceremony

The main ritual is performed during the Aparahna Muhurat (1:13 PM to 3:28 PM). Sisters apply a tilak of roli and rice on their brothers’ foreheads, perform the aarti, and offer sweets or fruits. They pray to Lord Yama and Yamuna for their brothers’ health, prosperity, and long life. In return, brothers bless their sisters, present gifts or money, and pledge to protect them always.

• Traditional Foods and Gifts

After the tilak ceremony, siblings share a festive meal together. Popular sweets like barfi, laddoo, and kheer are commonly served. In some regions, sisters prepare their brothers’ favourite dishes as a token of love. Gifts exchanged can range from clothes and accessories to books, plants, or personalized keepsakes.