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Bhai Dooj 2023: The auspicious festival Bhai Dooj is marked on the second day of Shukla Paksha in the Kartik month. On this day, sisters pray for their brother's long life and prosperity while adorning his forehead with a tilak. Similar to Raksha Bandhan, this festival celebrates the affection that siblings have for one another. Have you ever wondered why sisters apply tilak on their brothers’ foreheads during this festival? Well, let us find out further. 

Bhai Dooj 2023: Why Do Sisters Apply Tilak On Their Brothers’ foreheads? 

According to sacred Hindu scriptures, Yami, the sister of death god Yamaraj visited him on this day and applied Tilak on his forehead. Thus, any brother who gets tilak from his sister on this day is supposed to live a long life and does not have to go to hell after death. 

One well-known narrative also comes from the Mahabharata period, when Lord Krishna went to see his sister Subhadra following his defeat of the monster Narakasura. The custom began when Subhadra welcomed Krishna with flowers, sweets, and aarti. Therefore, the festival reinforces the theme of protection and affection by symbolising the eternal tie between siblings.

Just like Raksha Bandhan, the festival of Bhai Dooj commemorates the untiring love between siblings. (Image Source: Canva)

Bhai Dooj 2023: Which Direction Should The Brothers And Sisters Face While Applying Tilak? 

The brother should face either north or north-west during the Bhai Dooj tilak ceremony, while the sister should face either east or north-east. 

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Bhai Dooj 2023: What To Keep In The Bhai Dooj Thali? 

Sisters must use vermillion and Chandan for the tilak and keep betel nuts in the Bhai Dooj thali. They can offer black grammes, betel leaf, or betel nuts to their brothers after the tilak ceremony. They can also give their brothers a Gola (dry coconut) and mishri. Presenting leaves, coconuts, and beetle nuts to brothers is considered auspicious during Bhai Dooj. 




(Disclaimer: This is based on general public information. Jagran English does not confirm its veracity. Before adopting any measures, consult an expert from the relevant field.)