Cherish the everlasting bond of love! Read out what makes Bhaidooj so special, and what customs must be followed when carrying out the tilak ceremony.
Bhaidooj is widely known as one of the significant Hindu festivals, and holds a great mythological significance. It highlights the pure, naive and unbreakable bond between a brother and sister and their love for each other. In other local cultures, it is also known as Bhai Teeka, Bhrat Dwitya, Yam Dwitiya etc. It occurs the day after Diwali, the festival of lights.
On this occasion, sisters pray for a long and prosperous life for their brothers, and apply tilaks on their forehead. Then, the brothers bless them with all their heart and give them lots of gifts.
Here is the auspicious muhurat & puja vidhi to follow. Read out the customs and find out different mythological connections and importance of this beautiful occasion.
Prepare a plate with flowers, vermillion or kumkum, fruits, betel nuts, sandalwood paste and rice.
Mark a specific area, outline it with rice and make your brother sit within it.
Apply tilak when the auspicious muhurat begins, perform an aarti on him and offer him fruits, crystallized sugar, betel leaf and nut.
The brother presents his sister with gifts, vows to protect her with his life and protect her dignity.
Yam and Yamuna, being the children of Sun God, were brother and sister. As per the legend, Yam paid a visit to his sister, which became a tradition, where Yamuna would shower lots of love and make him eat from her hands. She would apply tilak and pray for his life. When asked what she wants, she wished for her brother to visit her every year. From that day, the festival of Bhaidooj came into sight.
After killing devil Narkasur, Subhadra, his sister, welcomed Lord Krishna with flowers, sweets and applied tilak on his forehead, praying for his long life.
Bhai Dooj is known by different names in various parts of/outside India. It is called Phota festival in West Bengal, Bhao Beej in Maharashtra, Bhai Tihar in Nepal and much more. Names are different, but the feeling is mutual- pure love for each other.
AstroSage wishes you a very blissful Bhai Dooj.