It isn't easy to decode the feelings, emotions, and love between siblings. They fight, squabble, stand for each other, and are just each other’s best friends.
Bhai Dooj is one such occasion that defines the eternal bond of love between siblings. This wonderful festival is celebrated two days after Diwali, which is the 2nd day of the Shukla Paksha of the Kartika month falling between October and November.
How it started
The festival of Bhai Dooj falls on the last day of the five-day festivities of Diwali where sisters pray for the long life, prosperity, and well-being of their beloved brother. They decorate their pooja thalis with beautiful flowers such as Roses, marigolds, Chrysanthemums, Mogra lighting a diya in the center and incense sticks. The house is decorated with beautiful flowering plants at the entrance and in statement corners of the house. It is also celebrated as "Yama Dwitiya" in the southern parts of India. There are a few mythological stories related to the origin of this auspicious day.
According to legend, Lord Krishna visited his sister Subhadra after killing the demon Narkasur and his sister gave him a warm welcome and made the occasion really special for him by applying “tilak” on his forehead and adorning him with Marigold garlands and sweets to eat. As Subhadra sprinkled rose petals on him, welcomed her brother with love, and prayed for his well-being, the festival of Bhai Dooj was born.
Another mythological legend says that the god of death, Yama met his sister Yamuna on the second day (dwitheya) of the new moon and thus the occasion began to be celebrated as ‘Yamadwitheya’ or ‘Yamadwitya’ across southern India.
Meaning and Significance
The festival of Bhai Dooj also has a literal meaning attached to it. It is made up of two words, ‘bhai’ meaning brother and ‘dooj’ meaning the second day after the new moon which is the day of its celebration.
The day is celebrated with much enthusiasm. Sisters prepare beloved dishes for their brothers and pray for the longevity and happiness of their brothers against all evils and bad fortune. In return, brothers follow their responsibilities of caring and loving their sisters.
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