Sisters apply tilak to brothers as Bhai Dooj is marked across Anuppur district

The festival of Bhai Dooj was celebrated with tradition and enthusiasm in Anuppur district on Wednesday. Sisters applied tilak to their brothers, performed aarti and fed them sweets. Brothers touched their sisters' feet to seek blessings and expressed their affection by giving gifts. The sisters prayed for their brothers' long life, happiness and prosperity.

The festival was marked at the district headquarters Anuppur and also in Kotma, Bijuri, Jaithari, Bhalumada, Rajendragram and Amarkantak. Sisters applied tilak to their brothers with roli, sandalwood paste, akshat and flowers, then performed aarti and fed them sweets. Families also exchanged gifts.

Bhai Dooj is also called Yama Dwitiya. According to mythological belief, on Kartik Shukla Dwitiya, Yamraj, the son of Surya, visited the house of his sister Yamuna. Yamuna welcomed him, applied tilak and served him food. Pleased, Yamraj granted a boon that a brother who visits his sister's house on this day and has tilak applied by her will have no fear of untimely death and will find happiness and prosperity.

This year, the main auspicious time for Bhai Dooj worship lasted until 12:20 pm. Rahukaal ran from 12:23 pm to 1:47 pm. Many families then performed the tilak and worship from 1:50 pm.