Maithil community celebrates Bhaiya Dooj

Mahottari, Nov 11: The Maithil community in the Mithila region is celebrating Bhaiya Dooj today, with sisters performing traditional rituals and praying for their brothers’ long life, happiness and prosperity. Observed on the second day of the waxing moon in the Nepali lunar month of Kartik, the festival also marks the conclusion of the annual Deepawali celebrations.

Also known as Bharadwitiya or Bhratri Dwitiya, the festival centres on the bond between brothers and sisters, with sisters inviting their brothers home for special worship and blessings. Married women traditionally host their brothers at their homes, while unmarried siblings celebrate together in their family homes.

As part of the ceremony, Jha mentioned, sisters draw a sacred geometric design known as 'Aripan' using a paste of rice flour and water. They then seat their brothers on wooden stools, wash their feet with warm water and apply a seven-coloured tika after offering betel leaves and areca nuts, he said, describing the rituals of Bhaiya Dooj.