The grand celebration of Diwali culminates with the occasion of Bhai Dooj, a day dedicated to strengthening the unbreakable bond between brothers and sisters. Known by various names like Bhaiya Dooj and Bhau-Beej, this auspicious day is also referred to as Yama Dwitiya in southern India. Falling on the second day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartik, Bhai Dooj holds immense significance. This year, it falls on 15th November.
According to Hindu mythology when Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasur, he went to visit his sister who greeted him with sweets and flowers and put a tilak on his forehead to celebrate his victory. There was an air of festivity throughout the kingdom. This day then started being celebrated as Bhai Dooj.
Another legend has it that the God of death, Lord Yama was always so busy that he never had time to visit his twin sister Yamuna. After being pressed by Yamuna to meet her, Lord Yama finally went two days after the new moon. Yamuna greeted him with an Aarti ritual and applied a tilak on his forehead. Lord Yama was so pleased with this reception that he told her to ask for a boon. Yamuna replied that the only thing she wanted was for him to visit her every year. She also said that any brother whose sister performed this ritual would be protected from Lord Yama (i.e., death). Thus, this day began being known as Bhai Dooj.
Several people believe that if brothers and sisters take a dip in the holy waters of river Yamuna on this day, they shall have a long and healthy life.
According to another myth, the moment Lord Mahavira achieved nirvana, a profound sadness consumed his brother, King Nandivardhan. In an attempt to uplift his spirits, Sudarshana, his loving sister, comforted him with her heartfelt gestures of making his favorite delicacies and showering him with boundless affection.
Bhai Dooj sets itself apart from Raksha Bandhan in numerous ways. While the latter involves tying a sacred thread around the wrists of brothers, Bhai Dooj showcases the sisters performing the ritual of Aarti and adorning their brothers' foreheads with a ceremonial tilak. Additionally, while Raksha Bandhan often involves tying a Rakhi between sisters and other relatives, Bhai Dooj is a special celebration exclusively between brothers and sisters. Furthermore, it is believed that on Bhai Dooj, sisters make a heartfelt vow to protect and care for their brothers, while also offering prayers for their long and prosperous lives.
The auspicious day of Bhai Dooj is filled with joyous celebrations. Sisters lovingly prepare an exquisite Aarti thali, adorned with fragrant flowers and delicious sweets, to welcome their brothers. As they exchange heartfelt gifts, the air is filled with a sense of happiness and merriment. This special day, which also happens to be the fifth and final day of Diwali, is illuminated by the warm glow of diyas lit at night. Sisters believe that the tilak they apply on their brothers' foreheads acts as a protective shield, guarding them against any harm or danger.