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The weeklong festivity of Diwali
finds its final celebration in the
Bhai Dooj. It is a celebration time
for brothers and sisters. Popularly
known as Bhai Phota all over the nation,
it is basically ‘tilak’ ceremony of
brothers by their sisters. By applying
red tilak on their brothers’ forehead,
sisters showcase their love, affection
and warmth for their dear brothers.
They pray for their brothers’ long
life and well being. In return, brothers
shower gifts, money and material things
and promise her protection for her
lifetime.
The festival of Bhai Dooj or Bhai
Tika falls on the second day or dooj
(as the name suggests) of the bright
fortnight or Shukla Paksh in the Hindu
month of Kartik. Brothers and sisters
earnestly wait for the festival of
Bhai Dooj. Traditionally, brothers
visit their sisters on Bhai Dooj.
Sometimes, even sisters have to travel
to their brother’s place. Brothers
are made to sit on a mat, ‘asana’
or chair and a red tilak is applied
on his forehead.
Some akshat, saffron threads as well
as grains of rice are also placed
on the tilak. The sister then performs
‘arti’ and prays for his long life
and good luck. After this, brothers
and sister share a piece of sweet.
Brothers bless their sisters for her
affection and promises to support
her through thick and thin. Bhai Dooj
gifts are exchanged between them at
the end of the ceremony. The brother
is then treated with a lavish meal
prepared by the sister.
There are three mythological legends
that led to the celebration of Bhai
Dooj. It is the tale of Lord Yamaraj,
Lord Krishna and King Nandivardhan.
Lord Yamaraj was lavishly treated
by his twin sister Yami or Yamuna
on this auspicious day. She welcomed
him, applied tilak and offered him
exquisite delicacies to eat. He was
totally impressed and declared that
whoever would receive ‘tika’ and sweets
from his sister would not be taken
to deathbed early and easily.
Again, Lord Krishna also received
affectionate treatment from sister
Subhadra on this auspicious day. Bhagwaan
Mahavira’s decision of nirvana was
quite depressing for his brother King
Nandivardhan. As a result of which
he became melancholic. But after receiving
assistance from his sister, Sudarshana,
he was brought back to his normal
self.
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