When is Bhaidooj?

Bhaidooj 2008 will be celebrated on 28th Oct, 2008. Festival of Bhai Dooj or Bhau Beej, as it is known, is celebrated on the fifth day of the festival of Diwali in the Hindu month of Kartik which corresponds to the month of October-November according to Gregorian New Year. As the word 'Dooj' suggests Bhai Dooj falls on the next day after new moon night, this is two days after Diwali. Since Bhai Dooj festival falls close to Diwali, euphoria of the Festival of Lights gets carried over to Bhai Dooj doubling the over all excitement.

Festival of Bhai Dooj is celebrated with gaiety and enthusiasm by brothers and sisters all over the country, though the name of Bhai-Dooj differs in several states in India. On the auspicious day of Bhai Dooj sisters perform arti of their brothers, apply teeka (vermilion protection mark) on their forehead and give them sweets. This ceremony symbolizes sisters prayers for her brothers long and happy like. Exchange of sweets, gifts and lot of merriment mark the festival of Bhaidooj.