Bhai Dooj

Festive celebrations are an integral part of Indian way of life. Bhai Dooj also known as Bhaiya Dooj is one such important occasion for Hindus, that is dedicated to the sacred bond of loving relationship between brothers and sisters. This day is special amongst brothers & sisters and is observed as a symbol of love and affection between them. The bond between them is strengthened on this day. On this occasion the sister applies tilak with vermilion or sandal on her brother's forehead and performs an aarti of him, wishing him a long and successful life. In return, the brother blesses his sister and offers her sweets and gifts.


When is Bhai Dooj

The two words of the traditional festival of Bhai Dooj means Brother (Bhai or Bhaiya) and the second day after the new moon (Dooj). Bhai Dooj Festival or Bhaubeej Festival as it is known, is usually celebrated in the month of October-November every year. It falls on the fifth day of the Diwali festival that is the second day of the new moon night.

Tradition and Celebrations of Bhaiya Dooj

"Bhratus tabaa grajaataaham, Bhunksa bhaktamidam shuvam Preetaye yama raajasya, Yamunaah Visheshatah."

" I'm your sister, Eat this sacred rice, For the pleasure of "Yam Raj" and "Yamuna"."

The auspicious occasion of Bhai Dooj is eagerly awaited, that reinforces the bond between brothers and sisters and their affectionate relationship. On the festive day everyone gets ready very early to celebrate the occasion. After praying to God, the sisters perform the aarti of their brothers and put 'tika' and 'chawal' on their forehead, praying for their well being and brothers in return pledges to take care of her, in any condition. It's an opportunity for a good feast, coupled with an enthusiastic exchange of gifts, and merriment in every Indian household.

According to the Hindu scriptures say: "A forehead without a Tilak is worthy of condemnation and they exist for name's sake only." It is held that anyone who receives the auspicious tilak on the forehead from his sister on this day would never be hurled into hell.

Bhai Dooj is celebrated two days after the grand celebrations of Diwali festival. The festival of Bhaiya Dooj is observed among Hindus throughout India with great devotion and known with various names such as : 'Bhav-Bij' in Maharashtra, 'Bhai Phota' in West Bengal, 'Bhai Beej' in Gujarat. Bhathru Dwithiya, Bhai-Tika, Bhatri Ditya and Yamadwitheya are some other popular names for Bhai Dooj.


Legends of Bhai Dooj Festival

Yamraj & Yami

Bhai Dooj is also celebrated as 'Yama Dwiteeya'. It's believed that on this day, Yamaraj, the Lord of Death and the Custodian of Hell, visited his sister Yami's house, who put the auspicious mark on his forehead praying for his safety and prosperity. So on this day Sisters apply tilak on the forehead of their brothers and seeks God's blessings for them. Therefore this festival represents respect, love and admiration of sisters towards their brothers.

Lord Krishna & Narakasura

According to one legend, on this day, Lord Krishna, after slaying the Narakasura demon, goes to his sister Subhadra who welcomes him with the lamp, flowers and sweets, and puts the holy protective spot on her brother's forehead.

Lord Mahavir & Sudarshana

Yet another story behind the origin of Bhai Dooj Festival says that when Mahavir, the founder of Jainism, attained nirvana, his brother King Nandivardhan was distressed because he missed him and was comforted by his sister Sudarshana. Since then, women have been revered during Bhai Dooj Festival.


Significance of Bhai Dooj

Like other festivals in India, Bhai Dooj is also an occasion for family get togethers, feasting and exchanging gifts. Bhai Dooj is also a celebration of sacred relationship between sisters and brothers. Although this festival is dedicated to the bond of care and affection between brother & sister but it goes way beyond it. Bhaiya Dooj signifies the peaceful co-existence of every individual, promotes the feeling of unity and encourage the harmonious social life.