Bhai Dooj is a Hindu festival that is celebrated on the last day of the five day long Diwali festival. This festival is celebrated on the second day of the bright fortnight known as Shukla Paksha which falls in the month of Kartika of the Hindu Lunar calendar. This festival is celebrated to mark the bond between bother and sister.
Myths and Traditions related to Bhai Dooj
The festival of Bhai Dooj is also known as Bhai Phota, Bhai Tika and Bhau Beej in different parts of the nation. Bhai Dooj is also called 'Yama Dwiteeya' as it is said that on this day, Yamaraj, the Lord of Death and the curator of Hell, visited his sister Yami, who had put the propitious mark on his forehead and prayed for his well being. Since then, it is believed that anyone who gets a tilak from his sister on this day will not go to hell. It is also believed that on this day, Lord Krishna, after killing the demon Narakasura, visited his sister Subhadra who welcomed him with lamp, flowers and sweets, and had put the holy shielding spot on his forehead. There is another mythological account behind this auspicious festival, which states that when Mahavir, the founder of Jainism, attained nirvana, his brother King Nandivardhan was distraught as he missed him and was reassured by his sister Sudarshana. Since then, women have been considered sacred during Bhai Dooj.
Significance of Bhai Dooj
The festival of Bhai Dooj strengthens the ties not only between brother and sister but also the ties between families and society. It is one of the best times, particularly for a married girl, to get together with her own family, and share post-Diwali merriment. It is one of the most auspicious festivals that is celebrated by the Hindus since ancient times and is celebrated all over the World with great zest and zeal.
Celebration of Bhai Dooj
On this auspicious day the all brothers visit their sisters and give them gifts and sisters pray for their brothers' long life, good health and general well-being. In Bengal this occasion is called 'Bhai Phota', which is carried out by the sister who devotedly fasts until she applies a 'phota' or mark with sandal wood paste on her brother's forehead, offers him sweets and gifts and prays for his long and healthy life. Every brother enthusiastically waits for this occasion that strengthens the bond between brothers and sisters and their loving relationship. It is an occasion for a good buffet at the sister's place, coupled with fervent exchange of gifts, and jollity amid the echoing of conch shells in every Bengali household.
Myths and Traditions related to Bhai Dooj
The festival of Bhai Dooj is also known as Bhai Phota, Bhai Tika and Bhau Beej in different parts of the nation. Bhai Dooj is also called 'Yama Dwiteeya' as it is said that on this day, Yamaraj, the Lord of Death and the curator of Hell, visited his sister Yami, who had put the propitious mark on his forehead and prayed for his well being. Since then, it is believed that anyone who gets a tilak from his sister on this day will not go to hell. It is also believed that on this day, Lord Krishna, after killing the demon Narakasura, visited his sister Subhadra who welcomed him with lamp, flowers and sweets, and had put the holy shielding spot on his forehead. There is another mythological account behind this auspicious festival, which states that when Mahavir, the founder of Jainism, attained nirvana, his brother King Nandivardhan was distraught as he missed him and was reassured by his sister Sudarshana. Since then, women have been considered sacred during Bhai Dooj.
Significance of Bhai Dooj
The festival of Bhai Dooj strengthens the ties not only between brother and sister but also the ties between families and society. It is one of the best times, particularly for a married girl, to get together with her own family, and share post-Diwali merriment. It is one of the most auspicious festivals that is celebrated by the Hindus since ancient times and is celebrated all over the World with great zest and zeal.
Celebration of Bhai Dooj
On this auspicious day the all brothers visit their sisters and give them gifts and sisters pray for their brothers' long life, good health and general well-being. In Bengal this occasion is called 'Bhai Phota', which is carried out by the sister who devotedly fasts until she applies a 'phota' or mark with sandal wood paste on her brother's forehead, offers him sweets and gifts and prays for his long and healthy life. Every brother enthusiastically waits for this occasion that strengthens the bond between brothers and sisters and their loving relationship. It is an occasion for a good buffet at the sister's place, coupled with fervent exchange of gifts, and jollity amid the echoing of conch shells in every Bengali household.