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Bhai Dooj Teeka is a mark of auspiciousness. Bhai
Dooj in India, is celebrated on the fifth day of the Diwali festival, which
falls on a new moon night, when sisters ceremonies their love by putting an
auspicious tilak or a vermilion mark on the forehead of their brothers and
perform an aarti of him by showing him the light of the holy flame as a mark of
love and protection from evil forces and pray for their prosperity and
well-being. It is an occasion of togetherness, and familial ties.
According to a Legend, Yamraj, the God of Death
was called to his sister’s home Yamuna, where she offered Aarti and a small gift
for her brother. She puts the auspicious mark on his forehead and prays for his
well being. So it's held that anyone who receives a tilak from his sister
on this day would never be hurled into hell. That is why this day of Bhai Dooj
is also known by the name of "Yama-Dwitiya".
On this day, the sisters makes the arrangement
for the Teeka in a puja thali. A combination of sandal wood paste, red vermilion
or a roli is used to draw the teeka along with few grains of rice. Bhai Dooj
Teeka is applied at the space between the two eyebrows. There are various
methods of applying teeks, but on the festive occasion of Bhai Dooj, sisters
usually apply a vertical line on the forehead.
It is a happy family gathering. Feasting,
exchanging gifts and outing are a part of the ceremony.
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