Diwali is a festival of great joy and celebrations. We have Bhai Dooj on the third day of Diwali to round off these festivities. Everyone knows this festival, but do we understand why it is celebrated? Today, let us see the significance of this festival and its likely origin. Bhai Dooj is celebrated nationwide, more so in the Northern Parts. It is known by different names in the other parts, but the essence remains the same. It is known as Bhai Dooj or Bhaiya Dooj in the Northern parts of India, Bhau Beej in Maharashtra Goa and other western parts and Bhai Phonta in West Bengal, Orissa and other Eastern States. It is also celebrated in Nepal, where it is called Bhai Tika and Yama Dwitya in the country’s southern states.
Lord Krishna slayed the Narakasura, an evil demon. He visited his sister, Subhadra, after this victory. Subhadra welcomed her victorious brother with flowers, aarti and sweets. This ritual became a tradition after that, where sisters prayed for the well-being of their brothers. In return, brothers visited their sisters every year on that day to promise their safety and well-being.
There is also another legend associated with this festival. It is said that The God of Death, Lord Yama, visited his sister, the river Yamuna, on this day. She also grandly welcomed her brother with flowers and sweets. The second day after the full moon, also called ‘Dwitya’, was when Yama visited his sister. Since then, this day is celebrated as Yamadwitya.
When is Bhai Dooj Celebrated?
Bhai Dooj is celebrated on the third day of Diwali in most parts of the country. It is the last day of the five-day Diwali festivities. Bhai Dooj is celebrated in Karthik, the eighth month of the Hindu Calendar.
On this day, brothers visit their sisters. Sisters prepare special meals for their brothers. They pray for the well-being and safety of their brothers. Brothers also promise to look after their sister’s well-being and protect them throughout life. Brothers gift their sisters something on this day.
Women and girls often apply mehendi and prepare unique sweets. Each region has specific rituals. For example, in Nepal, sisters apply a long rainbow-coloured tikka to their brother’s forehead and prepare a garland of unique flowers for their brother.
This festival is an essential sentiment as girls get the reassurance that their family is behind them throughout their lives. They know their brothers are there to support them if they need help. Bhai Dooj is very similar to Raksha Bandhan. It has the same feelings and meaning as the festival. It fosters a bond between the brothers and sisters. This brother-sister relationship may be the only one with two dedicated days in a year to celebrate this unique bond.
Why is the Moon Revered During Bhai Dooj?
The moon plays a vital role in this festival. Bhai Dooj is celebrated on the second day of the new moon in Karthik. Generally, brothers visit their sisters during this festival if the sister is married and staying away from the brother. Sometimes. If a brother cannot see his sister on this auspicious day, then the sister prays to the moon and asks it to convey her message to her brother and the Moon to protect her brother.
In some places, those women who do not have any brothers pray to the Moon God instead and consider it their brother. This ritual is why the moon is also called “Chanda Mama”, where Mama refers to Uncle or mother’s brother. Numerous children’s songs, like Chanda Mama Door Ke, have this reference. Now, you know why we call the moon Chada Mama sometimes.
Why is Bhai Dooj Special?
Bhai Dooj is very special for it celebrates an exceptional bond. This festival celebrates a bond between siblings. It is a heartwarming festival for married girls and women who traditionally had to step away from their homes and families and live in the marital home. This festival serves as an affirmation of her ties with her own family and siblings, which gives immense happiness to the sisters. Bhai Dooj and Raksha Bandhan celebrate this sibling bond, which shows us how important the bond is in the eyes of the Gods.
