Bhaiya Dooj, also known as Bhai Dooj, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated two days after the Festival of Diwali. It is a day to honor the bond between brothers and sisters, and is observed on the second day of the Shukla Paksha of Kartika Masa.
The Story Behind Bhaiya Dooj
There are two popular stories associated with the origin of Bhaiya Dooj. One story is about Lord Krishna and his sister Subhadra, while the other is about Lord Yamaraj (God of Death) and his sister Yami. The Story of Lord Krishna and Subhadra: After killing the demon King Narakasura, Lord Krishna visited his sister Subhadra, who welcomed him with aarti, flower garland, and sweet dishes. She applied the victory tilak on Lord Krishna’s forehead and lit the whole home with beautiful small diyas. Lord Krishna asked Subhadra to wish for something, and she wished that all brothers and sisters should be thankful for generations to come.
The Story of Lord Yamaraj and Yami: Lord Yamaraj visited his sister Yami after a long time, and she welcomed him with a beautiful flower garland and applied the auspicious tilak on his forehead. She served him a luscious lunch, and they relished it together, strengthening the bond of love between siblings. Lord Yamaraj promised his sister that he would protect all those men who received the auspicious tilak on their forehead from evil events of life.
The Significance of Bhai Dooj
Bhaiya Dooj is a celebration of the bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters pray for the well-being and prosperity of their brothers, and brothers promise to protect and care for their sisters. The festival is also known as Bhau Beej, Bhai Tika, or Yama Dwitiya.
The Tradition of Bhai Dooj
On Bhaiya Dooj, sisters welcome their brothers with aarti, flower garland, and sweet dishes. They apply the auspicious tilak on their brother’s forehead and serve them a luscious lunch. Brothers, in return, give gifts to their sisters and promise to protect and care for them.
The Connection of Moon with Bhaiya Dooj
In many northern parts of India, the moon is also given importance on Bhaiya Dooj. Sisters perform the arti to the moon, and brothers glance at the full moon, remembering their sisters and sending blessings to them. This tradition is believed to have started because brothers who could not visit their sisters on Bhaiya Dooj would glance at the moon and send blessings to their sisters.
Conclusion
Bhaiya Dooj is a significant festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. It is a day to honor the love and affection between siblings and to strengthen their bond. The festival is observed with great enthusiasm and fervor in many parts of India, and is a wonderful way to celebrate the special relationship between brothers and sisters.
