What is Bhai Dooj?
Primarily observed in the northern states of India, Bhai dooj is a
festival celebrated as a part of the five-day long Diwali celebrations.
Bhai, means brother, while 'Dooj' means 'second', thus Bhai Dooj is an
affirmation of a sister's protection of her brother's well being.
When is Bhai Dooj celebrated?
Bhai Dooj or Bhau Beej as it is known, is the fifth day of the Diwali
festival, which falls on a new moon night, in Kartik month of Hindu
calendar. This festival is celebrated after two days of Diwali.
Why is Bhai Dooj celebrated?
Bhai Dooj is celebrated to substantiate and rejuvenate the bond of love
between brothers and sisters. It is said that the brother who eats with
his sister's hand on this occasion is blessed with a long and fruitful
life.
What are the various names of Bhai Dooj?
There are various names of this festival. Known by the name of
bhai-dooj in the Hindi-speaking belt, it is called "Bhav-Bij"
in the Marathi speaking communities and in Nepal, people know this
festival by the name of "Bhai-Tika".
How is Bhai Dooj
celebrated?
This festival is ceremonized by sisters offering prayers and good
wishes to their brothers. Sisters consolidate their love by putting an
auspicious tilak or a vermilion spot on the forehead of their brothers
and perform an aarti of him by showing him the light of the holy flame
as a mark of love and protection from evil forces. In turn brother give
Bhai Dooj gifts to their sisters expressing their love.
What is the legend behind Bhai Dooj?
As per the legend behind Bhai dooj, Yamraj, the Lord of Death, visited
his sister Yami on this day. She welcomed him warmly by applying a tilak
on his forehead. The idea is that anyone who receives a tilak from his
sister on this day is saved the agony of hell-fire. Sisters prepare
sumptuous, mouth-watering meals for brothers on this special day.
Copyright © Society for
the Confluence of Festivals in India (SCFI). All Rights Reserved
