Bhai Dooj is a joyous festival which comes after Diwali and is celebrated with great passion. It is one such occasion which revolves around the love and affection shared by a loving brother-sister duo. It strengthens the relationship of a brother and sister. All around India, people celebrate this festival and have given different names of Bhai dooj festivals in their own language.
As the word “Bhai” suggests, this festival celebrates the importance of the sacred brother-sister relationship. According to Hindi mythology, it was the day when Lord Krishna came to visit his sister Subhadra. Subhadra welcomed him with a tilak to his forehead after he killed demon Narkasur. This became a tradition as applying tilak and offering sweets is an important part of this festival.
Another story says that it was the day Lord Yama, the God of Death, visited his sister Yami, also known as the Yami / Yamuna. The mythology puts an interesting twist to this exciting festival as many sisters gear up to welcome their brothers and celebrate with them, as per these ancient traditions. The sisters give their brothers gifts and sweets on this day, and Bhai Dooj celebrations are carried out with immense enthusiasm throughout the country and abroad! Special dishes like “Basundi Poori” in Maharashtra and sugar coated “Khaja” in Bengal are made on this occasion. Here are some unknown known but interesting facts about the festival of Bhai Dooj that will leave you amazed and will make you interested to visit back www.globalgyaan.com
- It comes from the two Hindi words, Bhai and Dooj. While Bhai means brother, Dooj means the second day after the moon, hence the name Bhai Dhooj.
- Per Hindu calendar It is celebrated in the Shukla Paksha of Kartika month. This festival marks the end of Diwali celebration and falls on the fifth or last day of it.
- Did you know that after Vijayadashmi, Bhai Dooj is the biggest festival celebrated in Nepal? It is called Bhai Tika or Bhai Tihaar (festival of brothers). It includes a unique ritual in which sisters apply tilak to their brothers’ forehead with a seven-coloured long tika
- West Bengal, celebrate this festival as Bhai Phota wherein the sister chants some mantras and puts Tilak on her brother’s forehead, in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka refer this festival as Bhai Beej or Bhau Beej, in Manipur, Bhai Dhuj is celebrated as Ningol Chakuba, and people all around India also refer to this festival as Yama Divitiya as Lord Yama (the god of death) was said to celebrate this festival along with his sister Yami.
- In rest of India, sisters put sindoor tikka and rice grain on their brother’s forehead, people of Bengal apply a sandalwood paste and kajal paste, also called Phonta, is applied on their brother’s forehead. In Nepal sisters apply seven colours on their brother’s forehead.
- There is also a ritual for those women who do not have a brother or whose brothers live too far away to come to visit. They worship the moon or Chandra instead. The sisters living far away send their sincere prayers and love for their brother through the moon god. This is also why little children are often heard calling the moon “Chanda Mama” or mother’s brother.
- Although South Indians do celebrate the festival of Bhai Dooj, it is known as ‘Bhagini Hastha Bhojanam’, which means ‘eating food prepared by one’s sister.’ It is celebrated on Yama Dvitiya to mark the day when Lord Yama had a feast made by his sister and blessed her with prosperity and long life. It is believed that those who eat food prepared by their sisters on this day will be saved from harm by Lord Yama!
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However, you still must have some questions in your mind. Read on to know about it.
What is the difference between Rakhi and Bhai Dooj?
While Raksha Bandhan, as the name suggests is a tie between anyone. A weak one can tie Raksha Bandhan to anyone who they think can protect them. However, Bhai Dooj as the name suggests is a festival for brothers where sisters worship for their brother’s long life.
Is Bhai Dooj celebrated only once a year?
Bhai Dooj is celebrated both after Holi as well as after Diwali. Holi Bhai Dooj is celebrated on Dwitiya Tithi of Chaitra month
What does Bhai Dooj mean?
Bhai Dooj comes from two words, ‘Bhai’ meaning brother and ‘Dooj’ meaning the second day. Therefore, it signifies that the festival is celebrated on the second lunar day (2 days after the full moon).
Do sisters fast on Bhai Dooj?
Yes, sisters fast in the morning until the traditional festivities are completed to pray for the longevity and prosperity of their brothers.
Do brothers give gifts to Bhai Dooj?
On Bhai Dooj, usually, it is the sisters who give gifts to their brothers. But tradition can be changed a bit, and even brothers can exchange gifts with their sisters!
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Have a Happy Bhai Dooj!