3 November 2024
All States Regional holiday | Sunday |
Bhai Dooj or Bhaiya Dooj is observed on the second day after the pious festival of Diwali. This day celebrates the sacred relationship shared between brothers and sisters. Sisters apply tilak on the foreheads of their brothers and pray for their prosperity and a great life. According to Vikram Samvat calendar, Bhai Dooj is observed on the second lunar day of Shukla Paksha. There are no specific texts stating the official history related to the origin of Bhai Dooj. However, it is believed that after killing demon Narakasura on the day which is now celebrated as Diwali, Lord Krishna visited his sister Subhadra who welcomed him by applying a tilak on his forehead. And since then, this day is commemorated as Bhai Dooj. Another folk tale states that on this day the lord of death, Yamaraja visited his sister, Yami who welcomed him with flowers, sweets and applied tilak on his forehead. In return, he presented her with a gift which reflected his affection for her. And hence, Bhi Dooj is celebrated to mark the bond between siblings.
On the day of Bhai Dooj, sisters invite their brothers for a delicious meal often including their favourite dishes and desserts. The procedure may be different in many states of India. The whole ceremony signifies the duty of a brother to protect his sister as well as a sisters blessings and love for her brother. Carrying forward the ceremony in traditional form, sisters perform aarti of their brother and apply a red tika on the brothers forehead. This tika ceremony on the occasion of Bhai Bij signifies the sisters heartfelt prayers for the long and prosperous life of her brother. In return, elder brothers bless their sisters and may treat them with gifts on Bhai Dooj. This festival has a great significance in the lives of siblings.