She’s naughty, or maybe too strict- an irritating creature, or your quiet emotional pillar- she’s your first friend- the lady you cannot do without- your sister! Bhai Dooj is a sibling-love celebrating festival second in significance after the auspicious Raksha Bandhan. Usually falling on the second day after Diwali, Bhai Dooj, Bhai Bij, or the Bhai Tika ceremony entails a short ritual where the sister applies tilak on her brother’s forehead and performs a puja. According to Hindu mythology, this festival has its origin during the life of Lord Krishna, a Hindu deity who was given a warm welcome by his sister Subhadra with a tika and a shower of flower petals.

Gift Ideas for Bhaidooj

Bhai Dooj celebrations across different states

With such cultural diversity in India, the festival has different versions with varied rituals, but well, the essence of the festivity and the zeal that it carries is everywhere. Since the tilak ritual is mandatory for the Haryanvi community, women who do not have a brother must worship the moon. Bhai Phonta is the East-Indian version of this festival- in the region of West-Bengal. For the Maharashtrian community, the day is incomplete without their special delicacy- basundi poori. Gujarat and Goa are some of the other places where people show loads of enthusiasm for this festival. The celebrations extend beyond national boundaries as well; in Nepal, this festival is called Bhaitihar.

Following the cultural legacy, attire for the occasion is mostly ethnic- a day when siblings tend to create and capture beautiful memories! Bright silk sarees with the shimmer of zari buttas, printed lehenga cholis, fluid floor-length suits, and all versions of Indian wear, rule as the dress code. While if the ceremony is a closely held event, then women prefer simple but socially impressive outfits like floral cotton suits and printed georgette sarees. Indo-western Kurtis and palazzo suits are some of the other trending silhouettes among the younger lot for the occasion.

Gifting your sister on Bhai Dooj

Religious rituals have their significance, but there’s one thing which, as a loving brother, you cannot omit, and that is- gifting your sister! Above all, she would be expecting a bag of goodies after the tilak. You can take it as a golden chance to put an end to your petty fights, reviving old memories, and reinforcing the bond that you share with her, and maybe even get her Netflix password too! Well, to get that emotional connection right that can most probably work in your favor, you need to pump-up efforts and pick a present that your sister will cherish and know how much she means to you. And now is the time to get her smile a little wider and brighter!

What does your sister like?

Understanding a woman’s choice can be complicated, but this time, we suggest that you go through the grind for your sibling’s delight. Having known your sister for all these years, we assume you at least have a faint idea about her choices, including her wardrobe. Does she prefer wearing traditional sarees or modern silhouettes like jacket suits and tunics, softer tones, or eye-catching palettes? If you’re confused, you can sneak into her room and check out her closet. Inputs from your mother or her close friends could be equally helpful. And with all the necessary information, the next step would be- choosing the best Bhai Dooj gift for your dear sister.

Here’s a guide full of fabulous choices, so- start scrolling!

1. A Class Apart- for the Fashion Forward Sister

A statement outfit like a limited edition drape, pre-stitched designer saree, or an over-the-top fusion suit makes the perfect gift for sisters who love being in the spotlight! Add a few accessories; we bet your sister will be the happiest!

2. Classic Staple- for the Simplistic Sister

Classic styles are for the ones who live by traditions. While a handwoven silk saree will make an excellently luxurious gift, the ones with a budget constraint can opt for art silk sarees adorned with the timeless allure of metallic woven designs.

3. Fusion Fervor- for the Experimenting Sister

If your sister likes mix-and-match looks, then a fusion jacket lehenga set or a crop top and palazzo coordinate have better chances to click with her fashion taste. Dhoti suits, Anarkali gowns, and peplum suits- are some of the other trending fusion-wear styles. And well, we hope you know her favorite colors- gifting an outfit in colors that she loves will elevate its value.

4. Casually Gorgeous- for the Quick-with-Wardrobe sister

An undisputed staple full of contemporary grace, kurtis are a part of almost every Indian woman’s closet. For those busy siblings or girls who prefer basics, a straight-cut Kurti or a cotton/ georgette salwar suit is an apt gift choice. A pair of pearl droplets or a matching clutch added to the hamper has high chances of multiplying her happiness score!

5. The Add-on Gift Set

Gifting a complete garment is quite a great choice, but you can always deviate and make a customized accessory hamper with half a dozen things meeting your sister’s preference. The more- the better- is a rule that applies to presents. Choose from embroidered/printed clutch bags, oxidized jewelry, elegant pearl sets, outstanding danglers, and designer dupattas to create your sister’s unique gift set. Remember, such efforts always have good payoffs!

These were some fabulously personalized gifting ideas for the occasion of Bhai-Dooj. Pick the best outfits- the one that she will most probably like. It’s the occasion to show your sister that she’s special!

Have a joyous festival ahead!