The last couple of festive months of a year is always the best time. Starting with Navaratri, Durga Puja, and then continuing festivities with Lakshmi Puja, Kali Puja, Diwali, and more, there are just too many glorious occasions to celebrate at this time. One of my favourites is Bhai Dooj. It is a beautiful festival celebrating the pure bond between a brother and a sister. Another Indian festival that is about cherishing the brother-sister bond is Raksha Bandhan. Though both these festivals celebrate the eternal connection, these have their significance.
Here’s How Bhai Dooj Is Different From Raksha Bandhan
On the auspicious occasion of Bhai Dooj, the sisters begin the festivities by applying tilak on the brother’s forehead. From curd to sandalwood paste, different things are used for the Tilak ceremony. There is a ritual of reciting some traditional phrases as well while applying tilak. Sisters celebrate the day and perform the rituals to protect their brothers. Another ritual is to treat the brothers with sweets. Lastly, gifts are exchanged as well.
There is some mythology associated with the festival too. Hindu mythology states Subhadra, Lord Krishna’s sister, welcomed Lord Krishna with some flowers and sweets after he visited her after defeating the evil demon Narakasura. Along with offering flowers and sweets, she also put a tilak on her brother’s forehead. It is believed that this festival began after this celebration of the pure bond between Lord Krishna and Subhadra.
Bhai Dooj is celebrated a few days after the grand occasion of Diwali and Kali Puja. This year, the date of the celebration is November 15. Are you ready to enjoy the day with your family? Also, what are the gifts that you bought for your siblings and cousins?
What Are The Rituals Of Raksha Bandhan?
On the day of this festival, sisters tie a rakhi on the wrist of their elder and younger brothers. This tradition signifies the sister’s love, protection, and affection for the brothers. Also, another significance of Raksha Bandhan is a brother’s promise to protect his sister from anything negative and evil forces. This is why it is believed that sisters tie the rakhi. It is a symbol of duty between brothers and sisters.
According to mythology, Lord Vishnu conquered the three worlds from King Bali. The King asked Lord Vishnu to stay in his palace after this win. Goddess Lakshmi was not pleased to hear this. So she made King Bali her brother by tying a rakhi on. King Bali later honoured a wish as well.
After tying Rakhi, sisters treat sweets and yummy food to brothers and both of them gift each other beautiful presents as well. These rituals are quite similar to the traditions of Bhai Dooj. One of the many differences is that sisters tie a rakhi on Raksha Bandhan and sisters perform a tilak ceremony on Bhai Dooj.
Also read: 11 Best Last-Minute Bhai Dooj Gifts To Up The Celebration This Year
No matter how the festivals are different from each other, these days are about enjoying and celebrating the beautiful connection and bond of a brother and sister.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva
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