Bhai Dooj

Bhai Dooj or Yama Dwitiya is celebrated two days after Diwali. Sisters attend Tika ceremonies to pray for their brothers’ long lives, while brothers offer gifts to their sisters on a day that honours the tie among siblings. Bhau Beej, Bhatri Dwitiya, Bhai Dwitiya, or Bhathru Dwithiya are some of the other names for Bhai Dooj. The day is also called Yama Dwitiya, which falls here on Dwitiya Tithi in Kartik month. On Yama Dwitiya, Yamraj, the Lord of Death, is worshipped alongside Chitragupta and Yama-Doots, Lord Yamraj’s followers. Let’s discuss more about what the Bhai Dooj festival signifies in detail.

What does the Bhai Dooj Festival Signify?

Bhai Dooj is a Hindu event that has an actual meaning. It is composed of two words: “Bhai,” which means “brother,” with “Dooj,” which refers to the second day after the new moon, which is also the day of celebration. This day is especially meaningful in the lives of a brother and sister. It’s a joyous event to honour the profound kinship between the two opposite-sex siblings. Sisters invite their brothers to come to their homes and make their favourite delicacies. Sisters also pray to God for their brothers’ health, quality of life, and protection from all ills and bad luck. In exchange, brothers fulfil their obligations of caring for and adoring their sisters. 

How is Bhai Dooj Celebrated?

Bhai Dooj is a significant festival celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm throughout India. The chore of inviting brothers for a magnificent supper of their favourite meals or sweets begins the ceremony. The entire event represents a brother’s promise to safeguard his sister while a sister prays to God & receives her good wishes for her brother’s well-being. To finish the rite traditionally, sisters create a seat for their brothers out of rice flour. Here on my brother’s forehead, a sacred tika made of vermillion, Dahi, with rice is put. After that, the sister places Kaddu flowers, betel leaves, betel nuts, or cash in her brother’s palms and slowly chants the verses while pouring water. Following that, a Kalawa is linked to the sister’s hand, and also she does the aarti. A lamp facing south is lighted, and seeing a soaring kite in the sky is a good omen for having your desires granted. Brothers were also given their favourite sweets and water to drink while savouring the treats. Bhai Dooj presents are exchanged between brothers and sisters at the event, and elders’ blessings are sought.

Bhai Dooj History

Goddess Yamuna was quite close to his brother, Lord Yama, who was the God of Death, as per Hindu scriptures. She had a strong desire to see his brother because they hadn’t seen each other in a long period. When Lord Yama finally arrived to greet his sister two days following Diwali, Goddess Yamuna was overcome with emotion and placed Tikka on his forehead while cooking delectable meals for him. Lord Yama was moved by his sister’s act & instructed her to seek a boon. Goddess Yamuna laughed & invited him to visit her once a year, saying that anyone whose sister applies Tilak to his forehead will not be afraid of her brother Lord Yama because their sister’s love will safeguard them. Lord Yama fulfilled this favour and the festival of Bhai Dooj, which has become an important component of Hinduism’s tradition and the five-day Diwali celebrations.

Importance of Bhai Dooj 

Bhai Dooj is a festival that honours brother and sister love, connection, and togetherness. The event is extremely similar to Raksha Bandhan and has the same goal. This day is marked by the exchanging of sweets or presents between siblings. As a token of their devotion and to save their brothers, sisters put Tikka to their brothers’ foreheads.

Other Names of Bhai Dooj 

Bhai Dooj is a national holiday observed across India. However, it is known by various names in various country sections. In Maharashtra and Goa, it’s regarded as ‘Bhau Beej,’ but in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, it’s regarded as ‘Bhau Tika.’ It’s referred to as ‘Bhai Phota’ in West Bengal. In Nepal, this dish is known as ‘Bhai Tihar.’

Conclusion

Every female in our country celebrates Bhai Dooj to demonstrate her support and compassion for their brother. On this day, all of the sisters pray to God for a lifetime of happiness for their brother. It is widely believed as the Yamuna received this promise from his brother Yamraj that only by celebrating Bhai Dooj can one be relieved of Yamraj’s fear and even that love or feeling between brother and sister are increased. In exchange, brothers lavishly shower their sisters with presents. The Bhai Dooj holiday, like Rakshabandhan, strengthens the brother-sister bond. I hope now you have all the necessary information regarding what is Bhai Dooj festival signifies.