Raksha Bandhan and Bhai Dooj are the two important festivals that are celebrated in India. Both festivals are celebrated to honor the special bond between brothers and sisters. But what’s the difference between the two festivals? Let’s find out:
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated during the full moon day or Purnima in the Shravan month of the Hindu calendar. The main ceremony of the day is the rakhi tying ceremony. A sister ties a sacred thread called rakhi around her brother’s wrist while praying for his health, success, and well-being. The brother, in return, promises to protect his sister against all odds. Traditionally, the brother then gives a gift or money to his sister. Nowadays, sisters also give a gift to their brothers. The rakhi thread symbolizes love, protection, and affection between brothers and sisters.
On the other hand, Bhai Dooj is celebrated on the second lunar day of the Shukl Paksha of the Kartik month of the Hindu calendar. In different parts of India, the festival is also known as Bhau Beej or Bhai Tika. This day is also celebrated to honor the brother-sister relationship but with different rituals. A sister on Bhai Dooj applies a tika on her brother’s forehead and offers him, sweets. She prays to God to protect her brother from evil and for his good health. Many states in India celebrate this auspicious festival with a unique tradition of their own.
Both of these festivals celebrate the bond of brothers and sisters. The main difference between Rakshabandhan and Bhai Dooj is that in Raksha Bandhan, sisters tie a rakhi around the wrist of their brothers. And, in Bhai Dooj, sisters apply a tika on the forehead of their brothers.