Bhai Dooj - November 03, 2024

What is Bhai Dooj

Bhai Dooj, like Raksha Bandhan in India, is to honor the everlasting relationship between a brother and sister. Often confused with ‘Raksha Bandhan,’ it may be a similar festival but isn’t exactly of the same significance.  

Bhai Dooj - All Quick Overview

• Category: Religious 
• Where it’s Marked: India
• Why it’s Marked: Hindu women worship the deities at this well-known event to grant their brothers long and successful lives.

History of Bhai Dooj 

There is a captivating legend around Bhai Dooj. Every Hindu event must have an intriguing backstory, typically a highly spunky and delicate affair.

1. The Yam and Yami Saga 

Since his job kept him busy, Lord Yama could never visit his sister's home. Due to his hectic schedule, he would, therefore, always respectfully decline her invitation. Ultimately, he saw her home unexpectedly one day and lavished her with blessings. And as anticipated, a beaming Yamuna implored her sibling to protect her brothers from harm on Bhai Dooj. She also requested that Lord bless everyone who would bathe in her sacred waters. The relevance of Bhai Dooj follows.

2. The Krishna and Subhadra Story

One tradition states that after defeating the demon Narkasur, Lord Krishna went to see his sister Subhadra. Her sister welcomed him with open arms and added extra touches like flowers and treats to the event. The celebration of "Bhai Dooj" originated with Subhadra placing the ceremonial "tilak" in her brother Krishna's temple.

How to Celebrate Bhai Dooj

The Hindu celebrations don't exude the right sentiments, following the Indian religion, without appropriate rituals and practices. Let’s guide you through the religious ceremony as we speak about this auspicious and beautiful bond among siblings. 

• The platter that the brother is to be honored is, or maybe more accurately, glamorously adorned on the eve of Bhai Dooj. Vermillion, sandals, fruits, flowers, sweets, and betel nuts are required on the platter.
• Mark a square with rice first before when the Tilak ceremony begins.
• The brother is waiting in this unique square for the right moment for the sister to administer the tilak. 
• Before conducting an aarti on your brother, post-Tilak, he is offered fruits, betel nuts, crystallized sugar, betel leaves, and black grams. 
• After Tilak and Aarti, the brother offers his sister a souvenir and makes a lifelong promise to look out for her.

Countries that Observe Bhai Dooj 

One of the sweetest expressions of affection is the unbreakable relationship between brothers and sisters. Various names for Bhai Dooj are observed throughout our nation. This celebration's importance in people's hearts across the country is one thing that never changes. A lavish banquet featuring traditional desserts and meals concludes the ritual. 

• In Bihar, Bhai Dooj, also known as "Yama Dwithiya," is celebrated substantially more than in most other states. According to legend, persons whom others have never damned are seized by Yama, the Lord of Death. Therefore, it is customary for the sisters to scold and condemn their brothers at "Yama Dwithiya," hoping that Yama will steer clear of them. The sisters then pierce their respective tongues as a kind of discipline and beg for pardon.
• Bhai Dooj is referred to as Bhao Beej in Maharashtra and Goa. Bhao means brother in Marathi. On this evening, the sister finishes applying the tilak before offering a prayer for his long lifespan.
• Bhai Dooj is frequently referred to as the Phota festival in West Bengal. The sisters invite them to lunch once tilak is finished on this day while they practice a fast. Following the tilak, the brother offers his sister a cute small gift.
• Bhai Tihar is the name given to Bhai Dooj in Nepal. In addition, due to the same logic, Bhai Dooj is often referred to as Bhai teeka. They pray for their brothers to survive long and flourishing lives as the sister paints it with a tilak consisting of seven pigments.

Interesting Facts about Bhai Dooj

Let’s turn into some facts we bet you didn’t know apart from the traditional knowledge of Bhai Dooj. 

• This event, which happens on the fifth or final day of Diwali celebrations, signals their end. 
• There is also a ceremony for ladies who do not have male siblings or live too far away for their brothers to visit. Instead, they revere the Moon or Chandra. Through the moon deity, the sisters who live far away give their brothers their earnest prayers and affection. It explains why young toddlers frequently hear the Moon is referred to as "Chanda Mama" or "mother's brother" by adults.
• In West Bengal, an alternative to the traditional tilak is typically created with kajal and sandalwood.

Unique Bhai Dooj Celebration ideas 

Make the day unforgettable by using it as an opportunity for bonding with your siblings as you enjoy your special day in a unique direction. Discover more below about the recommendations that will enhance your Bhai Dooj remarkably. 

• Create a DIY present.
• Try cooking something special with your sibling together.
• A fun-filled game night is never a bad idea. 
• Take a stroll down memory lane and feel the nostalgia. 
• An adventure road trip 

Bhai Dooj Quotes 

"Your parents leave you too soon and your kids and spouse come along late, but your siblings know you when you are in your most inchoate form."- Jeffrey Kluger

"Our siblings. They resemble us just enough to make all their differences confusing, and Love no matter what we choose to make of this, we are cast in relation to them our whole lives long." - Susan Scarf Merrell

"A brother is a friend given by Nature." - Jean Baptiste Legouve

FAQ

1. Is it possible for brothers to celebrate Bhai Dooj?

Sisters, lone brothers, and friends can all participate in it. However, Bhai Dooj is exclusively for the brother-and-sister tandem.

2. What’s the difference between Bhai Dooj and Raksha Bandhan?

The months are the primary distinction between these two festivities.

3. What are the variations in the names of Bhai Dooj throughout India?

Overall, there are a bunch of names in the different languages. However, 'Bhai Teeka,' 'Bhau Beej,' ' Bhatru Dviteeya,' ' Bhatri Ditya,' or 'Bhaghini Hastha Bhojanamu' are some of the more common ones. 

4. Do sisters observe a fast on Bhai Dooj? 

Yes, sisters observe a morning fast until the conclusion of the customary celebrations to pray for their brothers' health and success.

5. Is the Roli chawal with Bhai Dooj required?

The tika the sister applies to the brother's forehead is of primary significance during Bhai Dooj. Although not required, rice grains are used to apply the tika.