Bhai Dooj

Fifth Day of Diwali:

 

       Bhai Dooj / Bhai Duj / Bhaiya Duj

      ‘Bhai Dooj’ is also known as ‘Bhai Tij’, ‘Bhai’ or ‘Bhaiya Phota’, ‘Bhau-Beej’, ‘Bhatri Ditya’, ‘Bhathru Dwithiya’ or ‘Yamadwitheya’. It is mostly celebrated in West Bengal, Bihar and Maharashtra. It is celebrated two days after Diwali in the month of ‘Kartik’ as per the Hindu calendar; that is, on 'Shukla Paksha Dwitiya'. Thus, ‘Bhaiyya Duj’ is the festival that marks the end of Diwali celebrations. Bhai Dooj is observed as a symbol of love and affection between brothers and sisters.

YAMRAJ

YAMUNA

According to the legends, Lord 'Yamraj’ (god of death), visited his sister ‘Yamuna’ on the 'Shukla Paksha Dwitiya' day in the month of 'Kartik'. He was given a hearty welcome by his sister, when he visited her home. On his arrival, she performed aarti, applied tilak on his forehead and adorned his neck with a beautiful garland. She cooked delicious dishes and prepared sweets for him. Touched by her heartfelt welcome, Yamraj bestowed presents upon her and showered blessings on her. He gave her a boon that every time a brother visits his sister on this day, he would be prospered with health and wealth. This is why ‘Bhaiyya Duj’ is also known as 'Yam-Dwitiya'.

MAHAVIR

One more story is associated with the celebrations of ‘Bhai Duj’. According to the story, after ‘Bhagwaan Mahavir’ attained 'Nirvana', his brother ‘Raja Nandi – Vardhan’ became very sad. He missed Bhagwaan Mahavir very badly. At that moment, his sister ‘Sudarshana’ comforted him. Since then, the women have been revered during this festival, by their brothers. Therefore, Bhai Duj is not only significant for the people following Hinduism, but also important for the Buddhists of India. By celebrating Bhai Duj, they put an end to the celebration of the Nirvana of Lord ‘Mahavir’.

CHITRAGUPTA

On the auspicious day of 'Yam-Dwitiya', the people of 'Kayastha' community of Hindus celebrate the holy function of worshipping Lord ‘Chitragupta’, the God who maintains the records of life and death of the living beings. The Kayastha community also worships the pen, paper and ink on this day, in the honor of Lord Chitragupta. Chitragupta Puja process is performed by the Kayastha cast people who believe in four primary virtues (world peace, justice, knowledge and literacy). 

SUBHADRA

According to Hindu mythology, after killing ‘Narakasura’, Lord ‘Krishna’ visited his sister ‘Subhadra’ who gave him a warm welcome in the traditional way by showing him a light and putting on his forehead a tilak.

TULSI TREE

                                      

On this day at sunset, evening bath is must. I offered a diya and Prasad to 'Yamraj' near a ‘Tulsi’ tree. I prayed lord of death, Yamraj for protection from untimely death. I performed puja for my brother’s safety, well being and for long life. As a custom, usually brothers visit their sister’s place. After my brother came by, I performed 'aarti' and applied a beautiful 'Tilak' or 'Teeka' on his forehead and took his blessings. He gifted me a beautiful present, which is quite handful. Later at night, we all had a nice dinner with all festive viands.

It’s an awesome feeling celebrating Diwali gala for five days, with my husband, brother, parents, in-laws and with my other family members. Friends and relatives stopped by and we had food together, had fun and bursted crackers. When I try to recall all the five days of festive, a feeling of elation brings a priceless smile on my face. A feeling of pride like I achieved something big!! Hoping the feeling stays as fresh as it is today until next Diwali. Let all the smiles on all our faces; lighten up everyone’s life we come across.

Thanks, to all my readers who spent their precious time to read my blog.