Every year, Bhai Dooj is observed on the last day of the 5-day-long Diwali festivities.
The auspicious festival, Bhai Dooj is dedicated to the unconditional love shared between siblings. ‘Bhai’ means brother and ‘Dooj’ means the second day after the new moon, on which, sisters pray for their brother’s prosperity, health and longevity. The festival of lights, Diwali starts with Dhanteras followed by Chhoti Diwali, Diwali, Govardhan Puja. The last or fifth day is dedicated to observe the bond between brothers and sisters. In Indian culture, the legends are the backbone of any festival. Just like other festivals, some exciting stories are also associated with Bhai Dooj festival. All these stories represent the sacred relationship shared between siblings. Following are some famous legends linked to Bhai Dooj festival.
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According to some ancient literature, when Lord Vamadev (the fifth avatar) was pleased with the King Bali and appeared in Vishnu-avatar, Bali asked a blessing that Lord Vishnu would be standing on each door (Dwarpal) at Patal-lok. As Lord Vishnu agreed to do so, Goddess Lakshmi was in great distress after hearing from Narad. The Goddess played a trick seeking brotherhood from King Bali, and asked returning Lord Vishnu in his original avatar. Some literature mentioned this as the beginning of celebrating sibling bonding or Bhai Dooj.Image link: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/lord-krishna-subhadra-balaram-bhagwan-form-2322708695
According to epic Mahabharata, Lord Krishna visited his sister Subhadra’s abode after defeating the demon Narakasura. Subhadra welcomed her brother with flowers and sweets, followed by applying a tilak to Lord Krishna's forehead. In awe of her sister's gesture, Lord Krishna granted Subhadra numerous gifts and blessings. From that time, it is celebrated as Bhai Dooj, a day dedicated to honor and respect siblings.
The followers of Jainism believe another story about Bhai Dooj. As per Jain literature, when the founder of Jainism, Mahavir attained nirvana, his own brother King Nandivardhan was highly distressed. He was continuously thinking about his brother and missed him a lot. To comfort the king, his sister Sudarshana performed Bhai Dooj.
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According to the legends, the God of death, Lord Yama visited his sister Yamuna’s (the river) abode on the second day of the ‘Shukla Paksha’ in the month of Kartik (as per Hindu Calendar). Goddess Yamuna welcomed her brother with a opulent ceremony, offering sweets, and applied a tilak on Yama’s forehead. Lord Yama was ecstatic by sister's hospitality and granted her a blessing. The God of death announced that any brother receiving the tilak and meal by his sister on this special day will be blessed with long life, prosperity, and wellness.
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During specific time of the day, the sister applies a red or yellow tilak or mark on brother's forehead, while praying for his well-being. While applying the Tilak, brother's face should be oriented towards the North or North-West side. It is also suggested not to wear any black and blue-colored dresses on Bhai Dooj.
In West Bengal, Bhai Dooj is observed as ‘Bhai Phonta’. In Southern part of india, Yama Dwitiya is celebrated, while the state Maharashta observes ‘Bhau Beej’ on this day.
Rekindle the siblings bond in this Bhai Dooj with special gifts, foods and lots of love.
