Bhai Dooj: A Festival of Brother-Sister Bond
Bhai Dooj is a Hindu festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. The festival of lights is celebrated on the second day after Diwali.
Meaning of Bhai Dooj
The name “Bhai Dooj” is derived from the two words “bhai” and “door”. “Bhai” means brother and “dooj” means second. So, Bhai Dooj is the second day after Diwali.
the rituals and celebrations on this day are similar to popular celebrations such as Raksha Bandhan. this festival is based on the love of brother and sister on this day the tika ceremony is performed by the sisters for their long life by their brothers and gifts are exchanged Bhai dooj is a festival based on brothers sister relationships, which is celebrated with great reverence and mutual love In Bengal, Bhai dooj is called bhai photo when the sisters fast for the day until the photo or the Tilak ceremony is over and pray for their brother’s long life.
Why is Bhai Dooj called Yama Dwitiya?
In the southern part of India, Bhai Dooj is called Yama Dwitiya. This name is derived from the legend of Yama, the god of death, and his sister Yami or Yamuna. According to this legend, Yama met his sister on Dwitheya, which is the second day after the new moon. This incident started to be celebrated as “Yamadvitiya” or “Yamadwitheya” throughout the country. From that day onwards, some people in the country celebrate Bhai Dooj as Yama Dwitiya.
The words “Bhai” and “Dooj” both refer to the second day following the new moon. Therefore, Bhai Dooj is observed just two days after Diwali. On the second day of Shukla Paksha in the Kartik month, it is observed. It is also known as Yama Dwitiya. Lord Chitragupta is also honored on this day. The brother in return gives gifts, warmth, and love to his sister.
Bhai Dooj Traditions, Rituals, and Culture
Some rituals and traditions revolve around the festival of Bhai Dooj.
Which God is Worshipped in Bhai Dooj?
On Bhai Dooj, devotees take a bath early in the morning and worship Yama, Lord Ganesha, Chitragupta, Yamuna, and the many messengers of Yama. They chant numerous mantras while worshipping the idols.
Ritual of Dry Coconut
Giving a dry coconut to brothers is considered a symbol of auspiciousness during Bhai Dooj. It is believed that when Lord Krishna visited his sister Subhadra after defeating the demon king Narakasura, she embraced him with a warm welcome, flowers, and sweets. She then applied tilak on Krishna’s forehead and gave him a dry coconut.
Other Rituals
- Sisters apply tilak on the foreheads of their brothers and wish them good health and long life.
- Brothers give gifts to their sisters and promise to protect them and be there for them always.
- Sisters prepare a special meal for their brothers, which usually includes their favorite dishes.
- Families and friends come together to celebrate and enjoy a delicious meal together.
Significance of Bhai Dooj
Bhai Dooj is a time for brothers and sisters to come together and celebrate their special bond. It is a reminder of their love and care for each other. The festival also teaches us the importance of family and relationships.
Creative Response
Bhai Dooj is a beautiful festival that celebrates the love between brothers and sisters. It is a time for them to cherish their bond and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Let us all celebrate Bhai Dooj with our loved ones and spread the joy and happiness of this festival all around us.
Bhai Dooj: A Celebration of Siblinghood
Bhai Dooj is a Hindu festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. It is celebrated two days after Diwali, on the second day of the Shukla Paksha (bright half) of the Kartika month.
On this day, sisters apply a tilak (auspicious mark) on their brother’s forehead and wish him luck for a long life and prosperous future. Brothers in return give gifts to their sisters and promise to always be there for them.
The festival is believed to have originated from the story of Yamraj, the Hindu god of death, and his sister Yamuna, the goddess of the Yamuna River. According to mythology, Yamraj once visited Yamuna on this day and she welcomed him with a tilak and aarti. Yamraj was so pleased with his sister’s love and devotion that he blessed her and all his sisters on this day.
Bhai Dooj is a time for families to come together and celebrate the special relationship between brothers and sisters. It is a day to cherish the love and support that they offer each other.
The Importance of Bhai Dooj
Bhai Dooj is an important festival because it celebrates the unique bond between brothers and sisters. It is a day to reaffirm the love and commitment that they have for each other.
The festival also teaches us the importance of family and relationships. Siblings play a vital role in our lives, and they are there for us through thick and thin. Bhai Dooj is a day to appreciate their presence and to let them know how much we love and care for them.
How to Celebrate Bhai Dooj
On the day of Bhai Dooj, the sisters prepare a thali (platter) with sweets, fruits, and other delicacies. They also apply a tilak on their brother’s forehead and perform an aarti (prayer ritual). Brothers in return give gifts to their sisters and promise to always be there for them.
Families often get together on this day to celebrate and enjoy a meal together. It is a time to catch up and reminisce about old times. Bhai Dooj is a special day to celebrate the bond between brothers and sisters.
Bhai Dooj festival date in the current year
In 2023, the festival of Bhaiya Dooj will be celebrated on 14 November (Tuesday).
