Bhai Dooj: The Origins and History Behind the Celebration
Celebrated two days after Diwali, Bhai Dooj is a well-liked Hindu holiday that honors the close relationship between brothers and sisters. It's a day for siblings to get together, show gratitude, and rekindle their bond, much like Raksha Bandhan. Bring Bhai Dooj celebrations to life this year by learning about its customs and understanding how it all began.
A Day to Celebrate Sibling Love: The Tradition of Bhai Dooj
With origins in ancient Hindu mythology, Bhai Dooj—also called Bhaiya Dooj, Bhau Beej, or Bhai Tika—is a widely observed holiday in North India, as well as in some regions of Maharashtra and Nepal. Sisters offer prayers for their brothers' long life, wealth, and well-being on this day. Brothers exchange gifts as a sign of their love, gratitude and respect for their sisters, promising to look out for and support them in return.
Origin Stories
There are various intriguing legends about the origin of Bhai Dooj along with hundreds of variations across different states, take a look at two of the most famous origin stories in Indian mythology and history:
Yama and Yamuna
One tradition states that Yama, the god of death, and his sister Yamuna are the originators of Bhai Dooj. On this day, Yama paid a visit to Yamuna, who greeted him with an aarti and arranged a feast in his honour. Yama was moved by her warmth and love and bestowed a blessing on her, saying that any brother who receives tilak and prasad from his sister on Bhai Dooj will be blessed with a long and fruitful life.
Krishna and Subhadra
Bhai Dooj is associated with Lord Krishna and his sister Subhadra in another story.. Following his victory against the demon Narakasura, Krishna went to see Subhadra, who gave him sweets, conducted an aarti, and put a ceremonial tilak to his forehead while praying for his safety and health. It is said that the custom of sisters putting tilak on their brothers on Bhai Dooj was sparked by this gesture.
Rituals and Celebrations of Bhai Dooj
Celebrations of Bhai Dooj are straightforward but profound, emphasizing the blessings and love that siblings share. A peek into the customs of the past is provided here:
1. Tilak Ceremony
The tilak or tika ceremony is the focal point of Bhai Dooj. Sisters use rice grains, vermilion, a diya (lamp), sweets, and occasionally a coconut to make a mini puja thali. In addition to doing an aarti and applying a tilak to her brother's forehead, the sister prays for his success and safety. In exchange, the brother promises to always be there for his sister and provides her with gifts.
2. Exchanging Sweets and Gifts
Without sweets, no Indian celebration is complete!. Families favor traditional foods like kheer, barfis, and laddoos on Bhai Dooj. As a sign of mutual affection, brothers and sisters exchange gifts following the tilak ceremony.. These Gifts often contain personalized mementos, jewelry, and clothing.
3. Special Meals for Bhai Dooj
For Bhai Dooj, sisters typically prepare their brother's favorite meals, culminating in a delightful supper that the two of them can share. This fosters the relationship between siblings and gives the festivities a more intimate feel.
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