Bhaiya Dooj in Giripar: Sons-in-Law Honour Mothers-in-Law with Gifts
Bhaiya Dooj carries a special meaning in the Giripar region of Sirmaur district, where an age-old tradition celebrates the bond between a son-in-law and his mother-in-law.
On the festival, married daughters’ husbands visit their in-laws’ homes, bringing gifts for their mothers-in-law. In a gesture of respect, they place the gifts at their feet and seek their blessings, keeping alive a custom that has been passed down through generations.
Senior citizen and noted litterateur Sherjang Chauhan said the tradition remains widely observed in Rajgarh and several other villages of the Giripar region. Sons-in-law bring gifts according to their means and family customs, with the gesture valued more for the respect and affection it represents than for the gift itself.
The tradition is taken so seriously that even those unable to visit on Bhaiya Dooj make an effort to reach their in-laws’ home within the following week to perform the custom and seek their mother-in-law’s blessings.
For local families, the ritual is more than a festive formality. It reflects respect for elders, warmth within families and the importance traditionally attached to maintaining strong relationships. The Bhaiya Dooj visit also provides an opportunity for families to come together and strengthen their bonds.
At a time when many old customs are gradually fading under the influence of changing lifestyles, people in Giripar continue to preserve this distinctive cultural tradition with pride.
The practice of sons-in-law honouring their mothers-in-law on Bhaiya Dooj remains a reflection of Giripar’s rich folk heritage, while passing on to younger generations the values of respect, affection and family unity.
