A Sacred Bond Which Dwells In A Niche League Of Its Own- Bhai Dooj And Its Eternal Significance!

Bhai Dooj is celebrated on the fifth and last day of the Diwali , which generally falls on the second day of Shukla Paksh- the bright fortnight of Kartik month. The festival is a manifestation of the eternal love and affection shared between sisters as well as their brothers.

According to a legend, Yama -the Lord of death paid a visit to his sister Yamuna on this day and blessed her with a boon that whosoever would visit her on this day shall be liberated from all sins and would go on to achieve Moksha. Ever since then, brothers visit their sisters on the day of bhai dooj to know about their well being. This is for the same reason, bhai dooj is also known as Yama Dwitiya.

Bhai Dooj is the day dedicated to the love and affection existing between a brother and sister. On this day, sisters put an auspicious tilak on the forehead of their brothers followed by performing an ‘arati’ besides praying for his well being. On this occasion, brothers offer lavish gifts to their sisters.

The etymological origin of the festival, also known as Bhau Beej or Bhai Beej is associated with a melange of legends. On the second day after the new moon, Yamaraj went to his sister's house who welcomed him by putting an auspicious mark on his forehead for his welfare. It is also believed that Lord Krishna, after killing Narakasur, on this Duj Day went to his sister Subhadra who welcomed him with a lighted diya, flowers and sweets and had put on his forehead a tilak signifying her sisterly protection. Another legend runs this way- when Bhagawaan Mahavir found nirvana, his brother Raja Nandivardhan was very upset and was comforted by his sister Sudarshana. Ever since then, women have been deeply respected during this festival.

On this bhai dooj festival, sisters show their love and affection meant for their brothers by way of applying a tilak on their foreheads. This red tilak represents the safety and well being of the brothers from all evils. In return, brothers give their adored sister gifts besides holding them in the highest esteem.

The festival is celebrated with much zest and vigor by all people who observe Diwali. Puja is performed at the same place where deities are to be bedecked for Diwali. As a flash from the traditional reminiscences belonging to these years gone by besides being important festive customs, Sisters apply tilak on the brother’s forehead, perform the aarti and offer sweets. The aarti is accompanied by a beautifully decorated thali which contains roli and rice in specific Katoris. Thalis are festooned with colored grains, pepper, buds, petals, leaves, beads and sequins. Bhai Dooj sweets are also form an important part of the thali.

Mithai are also unique to the festival and sweets and other gifts that are exchanged as a part of the revelry at the offing. Sending Bhai Dooj sweets to India is now made easy with numerous online marts that efficaciously cater to the needs of customers. Siblings separated by distances may send gifts to India using online shopping marts given the facilities belonging to this jet set age.

Irrespective of all customs dwelling in that niche league of their own, the basic theme which lies behind the origin of Bhai Dooj is believed to be the safety of Women.