Bhai Dooj-A Celebration of Sibling Love

When is Bhai Dooj celebrated?

Bhai Dooj concludes the Diwali festivities and is observed on the fifth or last day of the festive period. It is celebrated on the second day after the new moon day of the Kartik month of Hindu calendar. It is also known as Yama Dwitiya in South India, Bhau Beej in Maharashtra, Bhai Bij in Gujarat, and Bhai Phota in West Bengal.

Origin of Bhai Dooj

It is said after defeating the demon, Narakasur when Krishn visited his sister, Shubhadra, she applied tilak (vermilion) on his forehead as a sign of victory and had welcomed him by performing aarti. This bond of love between Shubhadra and his brother is being remembered and honoured on this day of Bhai Dooj.

Another famous story explains Yama, the god of death had a sister named, Yamuna (who is a river basically). As siblings the two shared a deep and strong sense of affection towards eachother. Yamuna always used to invite his brother to pay a visit to her but due to the busy schedule of Yama, he could not make up to her. Once on the dwitiya tithi of Shukla paksha Kartik month, Yama visited her sister's home. Joyous Yamuna expressed her happiness by preparing several delicacies and arranging a grand feast to completely pamper her brother. She did aarti of her brother, applied tilak on his forehead. Yama was extremely happy and overwhelmed with the hospitality. Thus before leaving the house, he asked her sister to ask for anything she would like. Yamuna requested him to protect the brothers who would get blessings and tilak from their sisters on this day and relieve them from untimely death. Impressed by her sister's kind and sweet gesture, Yama granted one more boon to her sister that whoever takes a dip in the holy Yamuna on this day would blessed with long life and prosperity.

How is the day celebrated?

Sisters observe fast until the ritual is done. For the ritual, sisters apply tilak on their brothers' forehead, perform aarti for them, and pray for their wellbeing, longevity and prosperity. They then exchange gifts with eachother, share and enjoy the meals together. On this day, siblings come together and spend a lovely time who live far away or do not get much time with family. The day celebrates the unconditional love and warmth of the siblings for eachother.