Bhai Dooj

Culture of origin: Hindu · Cultural

Holiday sources: Hinduism

Bhai Dooj, also Bhai Tika, Bhau Beej or Bhai Phonta, falls on the second lunar day of the waxing moon of Kartika. Sisters invite their brothers for a meal of their favourite dishes, mark their foreheads with a tilak or tika and pray for their long and happy life; brothers bless them and give gifts in return. It is also called Yama Dwitiya, after a legendary meeting between Yama, god of death, and his sister Yamuna on this day.