Bhai Dooj Mithai

Traditions Explained: Symbolic Sweets & Their Significance

Quick Summary

Bhai Dooj is an annual festival celebrated by brothers and sisters across India. And like most festivals and rituals in India, and in fact, across the world, the ceremony is incomplete without sweet dishes. While there is no shortage of mithai (sweets), a few items are symbolic of the festival. Dive in to learn more about the symbolic sweets offered during Bhai Dooj and their significance in sibling relationships.

Deep Dive

There’s an age-old Hindi proverb that perfectly describes India. It goes, “kos-kos par paani badle, chaar kos par bani”, meaning the language, or rather, the dialect changes at every short distance in India. Because that’s just how diverse India is. Yet, festivals and food act as a unifying force, bringing together different communities, religions, and classes. Food at Indian festivals is a beautiful marriage of common rituals and regional variations. Just like with Bhai Dooj, where some rituals remain common across the nation, but small variations crop up, especially in the sweets offered. Why’s that? Well, read ahead to understand the Bhai Dooj mithai traditions. 

What is Bhai Dooj? Ceremony & Origins

Bhai Dooj, usually celebrated two days after Diwali, is an annual Indian festival. It’s similar to Raksha Bandhan since it too is a celebration of the bond that brothers and sisters share. During Bhai Dooj, sisters pray for their brothers’ long life, good fortune, and well-being. Consequently, they perform certain rituals: 

• Aarti: A puja thali is specially arranged with rice, vermillion, and a diya. Dry fruits or nuts like almonds and cashews may also be added. This is used to perform an aarti. Sisters perform the aarti, praying for their brothers’ health and prosperity. 

• Tilak: A small dot or vertical line is drawn at the centre of the forehead. Sisters apply tika or tilak on their brothers’ foreheads to ward off evil eye, promote peace and well-being, and as a symbol of respect. 

• Exchange of Sweets and Gifts: Sweets, usually a mix of personal favourites and regional specialities, are offered. Sweets signify the sweetness of the relationship. In many cases, sisters offer sweets and receive gifts in return. 

Origin Story of Bhai Dooj

There are various stories associated with the origin of the festival, but the two most popular ones are

Lord Yama & Yamuna

When Lord Yama, the Hindu God of death, visited his sister Yamuna, she welcomed him with an aarti and a tilak. Overjoyed, he declared that any brother who receives a similar greeting from his sister will live a long life. 

Lord Krishna & Subhadra

Lord Krishna defeated an evil demon, Narakasura, freeing enslaved women from his control. When he returned victorious, his sister Subhadra welcomed him with flowers and sweets. She also applied a tilak on his forehead and performed an aarti to celebrate his victory. 

Both origins signify a common theme: sisters, celebrating their brothers and brothers expressing love, contentment, and gratitude for the celebration. And that’s the theme that defines Bhai Dooj in India, even today. 

What Do Sweets Signify For Bhai Dooj?

Sweets have long been considered a symbol of new, “sweet” beginnings in India and are thus a part of all major festivals and celebrations, from Diwali to wedding festivities. Similarly, sweets are symbolic of Bhai Dooj as well: 

• Expression of Love and Care: In many households, a mix of homemade and store-bought sweets is included. It’s because the act of preparing and sharing sweets is a symbolic gesture of deep affection and care that siblings have for each other. 

• Reinforcing Bonds: As you grow older, physical distance, and at times, even emotional distance, can creep into relationships. Exchanging sweet delicacies reinforces the sense of unity, love, and gratitude within the family.

• Symbol of Prosperity: Sweets have long been considered a symbol of abundance and prosperity in Hindu culture. Offering sweets during Bhai Dooj, thus, becomes a way of sharing this abundance and praying for prosperity. 

Common Sweets Served During Bhai Dooj

Certain sweets are more commonly used than others during religious ceremonies like Bhai Dooj

• Ladoos: Ladoos have long been considered a staple in Indian ceremonies. These can be made at home or bought from sweet vendors. The most common types are besan ladoo, boondi ladoo, and coconut ladoo. In current times, healthier ladoos made from natural sweeteners (like anjeer or date) and dry fruits may also be offered. 

• Kheer: Milk has long been considered a symbol of purity and piousness in Hindu culture. Kheer is one of the most popular milk-based puddings in India, commonly cooked during religious ceremonies and special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, and, of course, Bhai Dooj. More often than not, kheer is made at home. 

• Kaju Katli: A diamond-shaped cashew nut-based sweet, Kaju Katli is considered to embody luxury because it’s decorated with edible silver. It’s a rich, sweet, popular treat during festivals, and usually store-bought. 

• Gulab Jamun: A deep-fried, soft dessert dipped in a flavored sugar syrup. It’s dark brown in color and has several regional variations. It’s a rich dessert, often found in wedding feasts and celebrations.

• Rosogulla: Rosogulla literally translates to a ball (gulla) filled with syrup (ras). It’s a milk-based treat more popular in Bengal and Odisha. It has a spongy texture and is served in a sugar syrup. Rasmalai, a close cousin, is more popular in North India. 

• Gajak and Gajar Halwa: Both gajak and gajar halwa are “winter” sweets (because they provide energy or use seasonal ingredients), and thus, are more commonly found during Bhai Dooj than Raksha Bandhan (which takes place in summer). Gajak is a dry, sweet bar made from peanuts, sesame seeds, and jaggery. Gajar halwa is a sweet crumble made from carrots. It’s mostly made at home. 

Regional Special Sweets Served During Bhai Dooj

It’s tradition to serve more than one sweet item during Bhai Dooj. In most households, a milk-based sweet is combined with a dessert favoured by brothers and regional delicacies. Some regional sweets commonly consumed during festivals like Bhai Dooj are: 

• Khaja in Bihar and Odisha: A deep-fried flaky pastry soaked in sugar syrup, khaja is popular in select regions of Bihar and Odisha. 

• Basundi Poori & Puran Poli in Maharashtra: Many households in Maharashtra serve basundi (a milk-based dessert) with poori (puffed flatbreads) on the occasion of Bhai Dooj. It’s considered a traditional, festive meal perfect for the occasion. Alternatively, families may also cook and serve puran poli - a sweet flatbread made from chana dal. 

• Pinni & Sohan Halwa in Punjab: Up north, in Punjab, pinni and sohan halwa are the popular choices. Pinni is a winter staple made from wheat flour and sugar. It stores well and is commonly given as a gift. Sohan halwa is a crumbly dessert, made from sprouted wheat flour or cornmeal. Both sweets are often garnished with nuts like almonds, pistachios, etc. 

• Personalised Sandesh in West Bengal: Bengal celebrates Bhai Dooj as Bhai Ponta. It’s a highly venerated festival, and thus, personalised sandesh with the words “bhai ponta” written on it can be found across multiple sweet shops. 

• Fada Laapsi & Ghari in Gujarat: Fada laapsi and ghar are traditional Gujarati desserts, and you’ll be hard pressed to find them outside Gujarati homes. Fada laapsi is a sweet porridge-like dish made from daliya. Ghari, on the other hand, is a pastry-like sweet made from gram flour and nuts. 

• Anjeer Kaju Roll in Goa: Goa displays its fondness for cashews in its dessert as well. Anjeer kaju rolls are sweet discs made from figs and cashews and commonly served on special occasions and festivals. 

The S In Sibling Stands For Sweets!

Sibling relationships alter over time. Your sibling is the first person you fight with for toys and games, and also the person whose secrets you hide, even from your parents. However, as you grow older, you go from living in the same hour to not even living in the same city or country, at times. Festivals like Bhai Dooj, then, become the perfect reason for a sweet reunion, pun intended.