Significance:
- Brother-Sister Bond: The festival emphasizes the deep bond of love and protection between brothers and sisters. Sisters pray for their brothers' long life and well-being, while brothers vow to protect their sisters.
- Mythological Origin: According to Hindu mythology, the festival traces its origins to the story of Yamraj, the god of death, and his sister Yamuna. It is believed that Yamraj visited his sister on this day, and she applied a ceremonial tilak on his forehead, prayed for his well-being, and offered him sweets. Pleased with her love, Yamraj granted her a boon that any brother who receives a tilak from his sister on this day will be blessed with a long life.
Rituals:
- Tilak Ceremony: Sisters perform aarti (a ritual of worship with a lamp) for their brothers and apply a tilak (a mark) on their foreheads as a symbol of protection and blessings.
- Exchanging Gifts: Brothers and sisters exchange gifts as a token of love and affection. Brothers often give gifts to their sisters as a gesture of appreciation.
- Special Meal: A special meal is prepared by sisters for their brothers, and they share the food together, strengthening their bond.
The festival signifies the love and duty between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters pray for the long life and prosperity of their brothers, while brothers vow to protect and support their sisters. It is a time for family reunions, feasting, and gift-giving.
- Ashwathama
- Bali
- Vyas
- Hanuman
- Vibhishan
- Krupacharya
- Parashuram
- Markandeya
Markandeya mahabhag saptakalpaant jeevanah
Chiranjeev yatha twam hee tatha mein bharataram kuru
Chiranjeev yatha twam hee tatha mein bharataram kuru
(It means, Markandeya, you are immortal. Please give a long life to my brothers also.) This day is also known as Yamdwitya. Yamuna was the sister of Yamraj. Having a holy dip in the Yamuna river on this day is considered to be very auspicious. Deepaks are lit and set afloat in the river Yamuna. This is called Deep Daan.
Rituals
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Tika Ceremony: The central ritual involves sisters applying a ceremonial red or white tika (a mark) on their brothers' foreheads. This tika is often made of vermilion, sandalwood paste, and rice grains, symbolizing the sister's prayers for her brother's well-being and prosperity.
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Aarti: Sisters perform aarti, a ritual of worship involving a lighted lamp or diya, around their brothers. This act is accompanied by prayers and hymns.
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Feasting: Families prepare special meals and sweets. Brothers often visit their sisters' homes, where they are treated to a festive meal. Traditional dishes and sweets like kheer, puri, and sweets are commonly prepared.
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Gifts: Brothers and sisters exchange gifts. Brothers usually give presents to their sisters as a token of love and appreciation.
Legends and Myths
Several myths and legends are associated with Bhai Dooj:
- Yama and Yamuna: One popular legend involves Yama, the god of death, and his sister Yamuna. According to the story, Yama visited Yamuna on this day, and she welcomed him with a tika and a special meal. Touched by her love, Yama declared that any brother who receives a tika from his sister on Bhai Dooj would never be taken to Yamalok (the abode of Yama) and would live a long life.
- Krishna and Subhadra: Another legend states that after slaying the demon Narakasura, Lord Krishna visited his sister Subhadra, who welcomed him with a tika, garlands, and sweets.
Regional Variations
- Bhai Dooj (Northern India): In northern parts of India, Bhai Dooj is celebrated with much fervor, and the tika ceremony is central to the celebrations.
- Bhau Beej (Maharashtra): Known as Bhau Beej in Maharashtra, the festival involves similar rituals, with sisters applying tika and performing aarti for their brothers.
- Bhai Phonta (West Bengal): In West Bengal, it is called Bhai Phonta. Sisters fast until they have applied the tika to their brothers' foreheads and offered them sweets.
भाई दूज को मनाने की विधि और कथा हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिये क्लिक करें