Sisters set to celebrate Bhai Dooj in Patna today

PATNA: A day after Diwali, people on Monday were busy preparing for Bhai Dooj aka Bhau Beej/Bhai Tika/Bhai Phonta, which is celebrated in India and Nepal after Diwali, on the second day of the new moon. This time it is on Tuesday. Gift shops and online commerce portals are offering lucrative items on the occasion. Several online sites and gifts shops have offers and discounts.
While Bhai Phonta is celebrated in Bengal, it is known as Bhai Dooj in northern Indian states, Bhau Beej in the west and Bhai Tika in the Nepalese community.
“A sister prays for the longevity, happiness and success of her brother who, in return, showers her with gifts, goodies and blessings. The brother renews his vow to take care of his sister and protect her throughout his life,” said Rohit Shrivastava, who works in a private company and was preparing to celebrate the day with his sister at Nikunj Colony in Phulwarisharif area.
Renu Srivastava (50), a homemaker, is the eldest among her siblings. “I have two brothers younger to me. I started celebrating Bhai Dooj at a very young age. I keep fast for my two brothers till I apply a tilak on their forehead and pray for their well-being. I also receive gifts from my brothers. We have a grand feast and sing folk songs on Bhai Dooj,” she said.
“We recite a mantra for our brothers long life and apply ‘chandan‘ on their forehead. The brothers, in a ceremonial gesture, bless us with ‘doob’ grass for our wellness,” said Rumu Halder, a Bengali whose family has been residing in the city for the past several generations. “We are working executives and hardly get any time to meet each other due to our hectic schedules. However, on Bhai Phonta, I start my day early and observe fast for the long life of my brother Devrato who works with a private bank,” she added.
“After the ceremony, we have luchi (puri), chholar dal, dum alu, rasogolla, sandesh, misti doi (curd). I not only get gifts from my brother, but also gift him to celebrate the day,” added Halder.