Bhai Bij, also known as Bhai Dooj or Bhai Phota, is a Hindu festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. It is typically observed on the second day after Diwali, which is the festival of lights. The name "Bhai Bij" translates to "brother's day" in Hindi.
During Bhai Bij, sisters perform a ritual where they apply a tika (a mark made with vermillion) on their brothers' foreheads, perform aarti (a ritual of waving a tray with a lighted lamp in front of the brother), and offer sweets. In return, brothers give gifts to their sisters and promise to protect and support them.
The festival is marked by the exchange of love and good wishes between siblings, reinforcing the strong bond of affection and care within the family. It is celebrated with various regional variations and names in different parts of India.
