Yamadwitheya

Yamadwitheya is another popular name for the festival of Bhaidooj which celebrates the beauty of the eternal bond of love and affection between a brother and a sister. Yamadwitheya is celebrated on the last day of the five-day-long Diwali celebrations. This is the second day after Diwali and the next day after new moon night. Dhanatrayodashi, Narakchaturdashi, Amavasya (Laxmi Pujan), Balipratipada and Yamadvitiya also called Bhaubeej are the five days which comprise Diwali, and each day has a peculiar religious significance.

Yamadwitheya Legend
Popular legend of Yamadwitheya narrates the tale of Yamaraj, the Hindu mythological god of Death. Infact, Yamadwitheya gets its name from the legend of god Yama Raja himself. Story goes that it was on the auspicious ‘Dwitheya’ or ‘Dooj Day’ (second day after new moon) that Yamaraj met his twin-sister Yami or Yamuna after a long period of separation. Dharam Raj (another name for Yama) received a warm reception from his sister Yami. Yami applied red tilak on his brothers forehead and treated him a sumptuous meal. Yamaraj was so much pleased with his sister’s affectionate welcome that he declared that whosoever receives a teeka from his sister on the day of ‘Dooj’ will not be hurled to hell.

Yamadwitheya Ceremony
In accordance with the legend of Yamaraj and his sister Yami, brothers, till date visit their sister on the ‘Dwithiya Day’ and have a meal with her. The custom is called ‘Bhagini Hastha Bhojanam’, this means ‘Having meal with the sister’. It is customary to worship Lord Yama and his record keeper, Chithragupta on this day. Many people consider it important to take a bath in the river Yamuna on Yamadwitheya.

On the day of Yamadwitheya sisters perform arti of their brothers, apply red teeka on their forehead and give them a sweet to eat. While performing these rituals sisters secretly pray for their brothers long and healthy life. Brothers too bless their sisters and present them with gifts or some cash as a token of love.

Yamadwitheya Celebration
Yamadwitheya is quite a popular festival amongst Hindus in India and is celebrated with lot of gusto and enthusiasm. Brothers and sisters strengthen their relationship by a Yamadwitheya get together and sharing childhood memories of togetherness. Gifts are exchanged as a token of love and best of festive food is relished in a harmonious environment.

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