Sun Nov 03 18:59:17 UTC 2024: ## Jaisalmer Celebrates Bhai Dooj with Traditional Festivities
**Jaisalmer:** The festival of Bhai Dooj was celebrated with joy and enthusiasm across Jaisalmer district on Sunday. Sisters applied tilak to their brothers, signifying a wish for their long life, and offered them sweets. This tradition, deeply rooted in Jaisalmer, is believed to bring prosperity and happiness to the sister.
The day began with unmarried girls and women rising early, adorning themselves and visiting temples for blessings. The Lakshmi Nath temple, along with other religious sites, witnessed a large gathering of devotees. Following this, sisters purchased sweets and, at the auspicious hour, applied tilak to their brothers. In return, brothers showered their sisters with blessings.
The festival was marked by sisters expressing their affection for their brothers in unique ways. Brothers, in turn, gifted their cherished sisters with valuable items such as utensils, jewelry, and money. The day also saw young girls participating with great enthusiasm.
Bhai Dooj is celebrated to strengthen the bond between siblings and to pray for the brother’s long life. The tilak, it is believed, embodies Goddess Lakshmi’s presence, while the rice grains (akshta) represent purity.
This age-old tradition continues to be celebrated with fervour and joy in Jaisalmer, reflecting the strong cultural heritage of the region.
First Piper 