Bhaiya Dooj, or Bhai Dooj, is a festival celebrated among Hindus of India, Nepal and other countries on the second lunar day of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) of the Kartika month of Vikram Samvat Hindu calendar. The occasion falls on the last day of the five-day-long celebrations of Diwali or Tihar festival. It is an auspicious occasion celebrating the strong bonding between brothers and sisters.
There are few Hindu mythological stories related to this auspicious day’s origin. According to one legend, Lord Krishna visited his sister, Subhadra, after killing the demon Narkasur. Her sister warmly welcomed him and made the occasion special with flowers and sweets. His sister also applied the ceremonial “tilak” on her brother Krishna’s forehead; hence, the festival of “Bhai Dooj” was born there.
Another legend revolves around the story of Yama, the God of Death and his sister Yamuna. It is believed that he met his beloved sister on Dwitheya, the second day after the new moon. Thus, the occasion began to be celebrated as “Yamadwitheya” or “Yamadvitiya” across the country.
The day holds special significance in the lives of brothers and sisters and celebrates their loving bond. Carrying the ceremony in traditional style, sisters perform aarti for their brother and apply red tilak on the brother’s forehead. This tilak ceremony signifies the sister’s sincerest prayers for the well-being and longevity of their brothers against all the evils and bad fortune. In return, brothers follow their responsibilities of caring for and loving their sisters.
Evergreen Publications wish you a very Happy Bhai Dooj!