Bhai Dooj

he fifth day of Diwali celebration is known as Bhai Duj / Bhaiya Duj / Bhaidooj, The festival of Bhai Dooj is celebrated in various parts of India to honor the most respected and special relationship between sisters and brothers. This precious occasion of Bhaiya Dooj is followed mainly by the Hindus and have a great significance to glorify this holy relationship. On the day of Bhai dooj the girl prays for the long life, prosperity and well-being of her brother and marks a vermilion (also called a Tilak) on the forehead of her brother and wrap a thread on his wrist. The brother in turn vows to protect his sister at all times and presents beautiful gifts to his sister in return. So its a very heart touching hindu festival on the calendar which reaffirms the great bond between a brother and a sister.

Diwali is the festival of religious beliefs, happiness and lights and more. Diwali is five days long celebration in India. Each and every day of the Diwali is celebrated in special customized day. Bhai dooj is celebrated on fifth day of the celebration or two days after Diwali. Bhaiya dooj is known with different names in all over India such as bhai dooj in northern area, bhaubeeh in Maharashtra, bhai pota in West Bengal and tikka in Punjab. Bhaiya dooj has symbolic meaning bhaiya means brother and dooj means two days after new moon. Bhai dooj festival falls every year in the month of October and November. 

According to Hindu Calender this year Bhai Dooj is on November 9,2018 In Hindu mythology it is believed that on this day the god of death Yamaraj went to his sister Yami’s home. She welcomed his brother with vermilion mark and prayed for his prosperity and protection. Then Yamaraj announced every year on this day if sisters apply tika on their brother’s forehead will never get harm. So after that day this festival is celebrated as “Yama-dwiteeya”. 

According to another myth , bhaiya duj is celebrating since the time of Bhagwan Mahavir the founder of Jainism, found nirvana,his brother Nandivardhan was very upset then his sister Sudarshana comforted him. After then bhai duj is celebrated. 

As per another legend, this festival is originated when lord Krishna ,after killing the Narakasura, a demon, visited to his sister Subhadra who put auspicious tilak on her brother’s forehead and showed lights, sweets, flowers and sisterly affection.

After celebrating Diwali, this auspicious occasion is solemnized in very special ways .early in the morning sisters get ready for most awaited bhaiduj and ceremonies there love and affection for their brother. After praying god sisters waves aarti and apply tilak of roli (vermilion), kesar (saffron) and rice on the brother's forehead as a mark of their love and protection and brothers in return pledges to take care of herself are lavished her with gifts, goodies and blessings.

The beautiful essence of bhaiya duj is strengthening the bond of love between brothers and sisters. It is the time to family get-together, food-sharing, feasting and exchanging gifts, reaching out to the inner most depths of the heart.

Tradition and Celebrations of Bhaiya Dooj

"Bhratus tabaa grajaataaham, Bhunksa bhaktamidam shuvam Preetaye yama raajasya, Yamunaah Visheshatah." " I'm your sister, Eat this sacred rice, For the pleasure of "Yam Raj" and "Yamuna"." 

Regional Names of Bhai Dooj

Bhai Phota | Bhaubeej / Bhav-Bij | Bhai-Tika | Yamadwitheya / Bhathru Dwithiya | Gorehabba | Bhatri Ditya | Bhathru Dwithiya, Bhaiya Dooj | Bhai Duj 

Festivals Preceding Bhai Dooj

Dhanteras - Narak - Chaturdasi - Diwali - Goverdhan Puja - Chitragupta Puja - Vishwakarma Day Puja