Bhai Dooj 2983

The festival Bhai Dooj is the one, that signifies the special connection between a brother and a sister. The bond which unlike any other, stands out from the rest in its own and special way. This special connection is also known as Bhai Teeka, Yam dwitiya, Bhrat dwitya etc. Bhai Dooj usually falls on the dark lunar fortnight, in the month of Kartik. This date falls right after Diwali, 2 days to be exact. On this occasion, the sister’s apply a tilak and pray for the long life for their brothers. The Brother returns the favour by bringing her presents and gifts for all the toils the sister does for him. On Bhai Dooj, people venerate and worship the god of death Yamraj. As per the traditional beliefs, the god of death Yamraj was on hand to answer her sister’s call as he paid her a visit for lunch.

Customs and Vidhi’s about Bhai Dooj

Bhai Dooj is celebrated on the second day of the dark lunar fortnight. It’s calculation can be done by any of the following methods.

1.  As per the scriptures, if the the second day of the dark lunar fortnight of the Kartik month lies in the fourth quarter of the day, then we celebrate Bhai Dooj on this date. If on both days Dwitiya tithi touched afternoon, then Bhai dooj should be celebrated on the next day. Other than this, if on both the days, Dwitiya tithi does not seem to touch the afternoon, even then we celebrate Bhai Dooj on the next day itself.
2.  As per other beliefs, if on a Kartik dark lunar fortnight, the pratipada tithi touches the evening, then Bhai Dooj is celebrated. Although this belief is not said to be very accurate.
3.  On the afternoon of Bhai Dooj, the brother is to be treated with tilak and lunch. Apart from this, the god of death is also worshipped and venerated on this day.

The Rituals and the Puja Vidhi to be followed on Bhai Dooj

According to the Indian religion, without proper custom and traditions, the Hindu festivals don’t really give out the vibes about them. For this very reason, every festival in our country is celebrated with utmost panache and exuberance.

1.  On the eve of Bhai Dooj, the plate from which the brother is to be worshipped is decorated appropriately or should we say festively. The plate has to have vermillion, sandal, fruits, flowers, sweets and, betel nut.
2.  Before the Tilak ceremony takes place, chalk out a square with rice.
3.  On this very square, the brother is seated as he waits for the auspicious timing, when the sister finally applies the tilak.
4.  Post Tilak give fruits, betel nut, crystallized sugar, betel leaf, black grams to your brother before performing an aarti on him.
5.  Once the Tilak and Aarti is done, the brother presents his sister with a gift before taking a vow to protect her for life.

The Legend associated with Bhai Dooj

Every Hindu festival obviously has to have an enthralling background story about it, which usually is a very feisty and sensitive affair. Similarly, Bhai Dooj has an enthralling fable about it. This story tells a lot about the significance and focuses a lot on its importance as well.

The Saga of Yam and Yami

According to a famous mythological chronicle, the god of death Yamraj gave his sister, Yamuna a visit, which later became the tradition of Bhai Dooj, that would be followed for a thousand of years to come. The children of Sun God were Yam and Yami, who were brother and sister. After pestering Yam countless of times, Yami finally got her wish fulfilled. Her brother finally gave in to her demands and paid her a visit. On this occasion, Yamuna made sure that her brother ate out of her hands in the most literal of senses.

After lunch she applied a tilak on his forehead, and prayed for his long life. Being on the receiving end of such affection and love, Yamraj asked his sister for a boon. The sweet sister that she was, she replied that she just wishes that he visits her every year and any sister who does the rituals and applies the tilak shall not ever fear the god of death Yamraj. Hearing the sweet wish of his sister Yamraj was very pleased as he blessed his sister and granted her wish. From this day, the tradition of Bhai Dooj picked up and it became a phenomena which would be followed till the present day.

To bathe in the holy river of Yamuna is considered of great importance as it is widely believed, if the brother and the sister take a dip in the holy river, they achieve rewards in the form of a better life with less troubles.

The Tale of Krishna and Subhadra

As far as other stories go about how we started to celebrate Bhai Dooj, one such tale involves Lord Krishna. When he returned home after killing the devil Narkasur, his sister (Subhadra) welcomed him with flowers,fruits and sweets. She also lit up diyas and gave him an exquisite welcome. She applied a tilak on his forehead before praying that he lives on for a thousand more years. From that day onwards, it became a custom to apply tilak on the forehead of the brother and in return the brother presents his sister with an alluring gift.

How Bhai Dooj fares in different states

Bhai Dooj is celebrated by different names in different parts of our country. Due to the diversity that we have and the different traditions that we harbour, it becomes impairable that it is called out by quite many names depending upon the region & the language spoken in that region but one thing that does not changes is the gravity that this festival holds in the hearts of the people all across the nation.

Bhai Dooj in West Bengal

In West Bengal, Bhai Dooj is commonly referred to as Phota festival. On this day the sisters observe a fast and once the tilak is done, they treat them with lunch. After the tilak, the brother gets his sister a sweet little present.

Bhai Dooj in Maharashtra

In Maharashtra and Goa, Bhai Dooj is known as Bhao Beej. In Marathi Bhao means brother. On this eve the sister completes the tilak after which she prays for his long life.

Bhai Dooj in Uttar Pradesh

In UP, the sister, after applying tilak on her brother, offers him crystallised sugar and water. It is also a custom to proffer the brother water and dried coconut. The tradition of giving water is followed in almost every household.

Bhai Dooj in Bihar

There is quite an unusual custom which is followed only in Bihar and nowhere else. In Bihar on the eve of Bhai Dooj, the sister scolds her brother and even abuses him if you like and later apologises to him. This is done to absolve the brother from his past sins. After this custom has taken place, the sister applies tilak and offers sweets to the brother.

Bhai Dooj in Nepal

In Nepal, Bhai Dooj is known by the name of Bhai Tihar. The meaning of tihar is tilak which is denoted by a mark on the forehead. Apart from this, Bhai Dooj is also called Bhai teeka for the same reason. On this the sister applies a tilak which comprises of seven colors and they pray for the long and prosperous life for their brothers.

The Festival Bhai Dooj signifies the bond that is shared by a brother and sister. It is a bond like nothing else. So pure and so true in itself. It is devoid of all the vicious and the corrupt things that we are so accustomed to nowadays as it gently reminds us that in the midst of all this, good things and silver linings, actually exists.

Frequently Asked Questions

AstroSage wishes you a very blissful Bhai Dooj.