Why Is Bhai Dooj Celebrated
Discover the significance of Bhai Dooj, a festival that honors the relationship between siblings. Explore the legends and rituals associated with this joyous occasion.
Bhai Dooj is a Hindu festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters.
It is celebrated on the last day of the five-day-long Diwali festival, which falls on the second day of the Shukla Paksha of Kartik Maas.
Legends behind Bhai Dooj
Lord Krishna visited his sister Subhadra after killing Narakasura.
Subhadra welcomed him with an aarti and applied a tilak on his forehead.
She also prepared a feast for him and served him with her own hands.
Touched by her love and devotion, Lord Krishna blessed her and promised to protect her from all harm. He declared that whoever receives tilak and aarti from their sister on this day, will be blessed with a long and prosperous life.
Another legend associated with Bhai Dooj is the story of Yamraj, the god of death, and his sister Yamuna. It is said that Yamuna invited Yamraj to her home and treated him with love and respect. Yamraj was so pleased with her hospitality that he declared that whoever receives tilak and aarti from their sister on this day will be protected from death and all kinds of troubles.
How is Bhai Dooj celebrated
- On this day, sisters pray for the long life and well-being of their brothers and apply tilak on their forehead.
- The tilak is made with vermillion, sandalwood paste, and rice.
- Sisters also perform aarti and offer sweets and gifts to their brothers.
- Brothers, in return, vow to protect their sisters and give them gifts.
- In some regions, sisters fast until they complete the tilak ceremony.
- On Bhai Dooj, families often prepare a special meal, which is enjoyed together.
- This meal is usually prepared with traditional recipes and includes sweets and other delicacies.
- Some families also visit temples and offer prayers to seek the blessings of the deities for the well-being of their brothers and sisters.
- Brothers and sisters exchange warm wishes and express their love and affection towards each other. They also promise to stand by each other and protect each other throughout their lives.
Why Bhai Dooj is celebrated after Diwali?
After killing Narakasura, it was on the second day of the Shukla Paksha of Kartik Maas that Lord Krishna visited his sister Subhadra.
Overall, the rituals of Bhai Dooj are designed to strengthen the bond of love and affection between brothers and sisters and to express gratitude and appreciation for each other's presence in their lives.
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