The bond between a brother and sister was
celebrated and strengthened with celebrations of ‘Bhai Dooj’ with pomp,
festivities, feast and grand celebrations in the city on Tuesday.
Bhai Dooj, the festival that defines the
eternal love between siblings and dedicated to strengthening the bond between
them, falls during the five-day celebrations of Diwali’. It is popularly known
as Bhai Phota, Bhav Bij, Bhai Tika, Bhatri Dwitiya, Yama Dwitiya, etc.
The traditional customs and rituals vary a
little due to the cultural diversity in the various parts of India, but the
essence of the festivities remains unchanged. Its significance too remains
equally the same among the brothers and sisters.
On this auspicious day, sisters pray to God
for longevity, well-being and prosperity of their beloved brother.
With a decorated thali containing sweets,
roli or kumkum (vermilion) and coconut, sisters put a tilak or a vermillion
mark on the forehead of brothers followed by an aarti. The festival is
celebrated on the very last day of 5-day Diwali.
Following are the highlights of the grand
fest and unique festivities seen across the city:
Sisters & Brothers beyond Borders
“We stayed in Nepal for 17 years of our
life and there were times, when the relation between India and Nepal were not
amicable. Yet, living there, we learned and made so many relations because this
grand festival commonly known as ‘Bhai Tika’ there. We had several nurses,
housekeeping staff and doctors staying on campus at the hospital, who missed
their brothers. We started by inviting 6 of those females to our house and
considering me as their brother. The number grew and I have 26 sisters there,
who often visit, send me presents. Though we don’t encourage each other to make
trips on Bhai Tika anymore, I still got many calls, gifts and blessings from
them. This fest made our team into a family forever.”
Dr Bharat Rawat
Cardiologist
Being twins exalts the bonding
“Having someone grow up with you is unique
and we can clearly see and experience that in the little angels. To be honest,
it is initially difficult to raise twins, but when it is a brother and sister,
the twins automatically learn much more than a single child. Anvika and Anagh
are now 1.5 year old, and it is the first-time we can see them enjoy the
special fest of Bhai Dooj. They have a tuning and bonding beyond our
understanding, probably how brothers and sisters are and in their case, more
special being twins.”
Parents of Anvika and Anagh
Sisters gave strength to complete the
term to Jail inmates
“About 300 women went to District Jail to
meet their brothers on Bhai Dooj and give them blessings. Sisters applied
vermilion to their brother’s forehead and brought sweets for them. Some
brothers also wept and felt guilty of their inability to celebrate the fest and
take care of their sisters.
However, there is no provision to allow
open campus meet citing the fest. However, the sisters connected with their
brothers via phone calls and gave them strength to finish their term.”
Aditi Chaturvedi
District Jail Superintendent