- This event has passed.
Gujarati New Year, Bhai Dooj
November 2, 2024
The festival marks sibling bonds, simplicity, and devotion, traditionally celebrated across the country. The festival holds a significant place, in Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal and other states of India. Apart from India, Nepal also celebrates a similar festival termed Bhai Tikka. The festival starts with the preparation of thali. Sisters prepare a special thali that contains rice, vermilion (kumkum), sandalwood paste, sweets, and a diya (oil lamp). The thali represents the elements used in the aarti and tilak ceremonies.
The sisters apply tilak to the brother’s forehead; this tilak ritual is auspicious and is believed to protect the brothers from evil influences. After that, she performed an arti for their brothers by circling the diya around them while chanting prayers. This is a gesture to invoke divine blessings for their brothers’ long life and prosperity.

