Bhai Dooj Puja Items

The festival of Bhai Dooj holds importance, as besides Raksha Bandhan this is the festival that cherishes the long lasting bond of brother and sister. Bhai Dooj is a mark of pronouncement from sisters that under any circumstance, they will safeguard their brothers. This festival of North India is related to brothers falls on the second day after Diwali and hence the name- Bhai Dooj (Bhai=brother, Dooj=second). On this day sisters invite brothers to their homes and treat them with scrumptious meals. After the ritual of applying tika and praying, the brothers pamper their sisters with gifts. Later get-togethers are organized and family indulges in merry making. This festival has many legends associated with it. One such tale is of Lord Yama and his sister Yamuna. On the second day after new moon, Yama visited his sister who cheerfully welcomed him by putting tilak on his forehead and adorned his neck with garland. She treated him with delectable meal. Delighted by her hearty welcome, Yama stated this day as a boon saying that the brother who visits his sister on this day will be blessed with long life, good heath and wealth. It is also believed that Lord Krishna, after slaying Narakasura on this day went to see his sister Subhadra who greeted him with a lit diya, flowers and sweets. She then drew a tilak on his forehead as a mark of her sisterly protection. Since then, this festival is of utmost meaning in a brother-sister relationship. A major facet of this festival is the performance of puja. The items significant for Bhai Dooj puja are:

In every Hindu puja, a decorated thali is an important aspect. After putting these mentioned items in the decked up thali, sisters then place prasad in it, be it a piece of any sweet or batasha. Sisters put efforts and prettily decorate the puja thalis on the day of Bhai Dooj.