Sibling Revelry: Physical meet-ups cement bonds this Bhai Dooj

If any of the 24 cousins are missing, Bhau Beej remains incomplete in the Vichare household. Every year on this auspicious day, brothers sit age-wise on a big couch and wait for their sisters to perform the aarti, after which delicacies brought in by each member are eagerly wolfed down and "Fancy Item", a popular firecracker, is burst. While Covid kept the cousins who were living and working in other cities from visiting in 2020, this year, media professional Kshitija Vichare predicts a full house on Bhau Beej again. "Since my cousins are either fully or partially vaccinated, they will be there to celebrate," she says.

Bhai Dooj celebrations at the Vichare house in 2020. Picture courtesy: Kshitija Vichare

From making travel arrangements and boxing the set number of gifts to saving up cash for sponsoring dinner treats, Mumbaikars are eagerly making up for lost quality time with siblings and cousins this Bhai Dooj. Similar to another Hindu festival, Raksha Bandhan, Bhaidooj is observed to celebrate the bond between brothers and sisters. It falls on the last day of the Diwali festival and will be celebrated on November 6 this year.

"With everyone visiting this year, arranging sweets will not be a problem," says Vichare. Picture courtesy: Kshitija Vichare.

According to the traditions, during Bhai Dooj, brothers have to visit the sisters, who would then gift something to their brothers. However, many of the families take the liberty to practice their own ways of the gifting ritual. "We don't exchange gifts. Instead, we spend that money on food," says Vichare. "Since this year's Rakshabandhan dinner was sponsored by the sisters, Bhaubeej dinner will be a treat by the brothers. After dinner, as per our annual tradition we will light up at least one fire cracker."

Another big fat family gathering will be taking place at the residence of Patres from Palghar. With around 13 to 14 cousins, young and old, the celebration is bound to be grand. "It's a weekend so we are going to stay for the night, gossip, watch movies, click pictures and have a good time," says Vibhuti Patre, who had celebrated Bhai Dooj through Whatsapp video call last year.

Bhai Dooj celebrations last year at the Raul house. Picture courtesy: Namita Raul.

For Namita Raul and her family, the lockdown did not make much of a difference. The cousins managed to visit each other and celebrate with all rituals. This year, the nine cousins will meet at their aunt's place, perform the rituals and exchange gifts. "Since we are foodies, this year we will feast on sea food sponsored by the brothers in the house," says Namita.

While many have keenly drawn elaborate plans for Bhai Dooj evening, Devesh Rane, another Mumbaikar, looks forward to meeting his eight cousins and having fun together regardless of the scale of celebrations. "Last year made us realize a lot of things, but most importantly it taught us not to take things for granted and be grateful for moments that make us happy," he says.

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