Why bhai dooj is celebrated

They are the best friends of each other, protectors of each other, admirers of each other, secret sharers of each other and has unconditional love for each other. It is difficult to decode the feelings, emotions and love between siblings. However, there are special days or occasions that are dedicated to strengthening the love between a brother and a sister. Bhaiya Dooj is one such occasion that can define the eternal love between different siblings brother and sister.

This wonderful festival is an important occasion where sisters pray to God for the longevity, well-being and prosperity of their beloved brother. The occasion occurs after the two days of the Diwali festival. Whereas, Bhai Dooj has two origin stories. The first legend narrates that after slaying the evil demon Narakasura, Lord Krishna visited his sister Subhadra who gave him a warm welcome with sweets and flowers. She also affectionately applied tilak on Krishna's forehead.

The other story is that Yamraj, God of Death, had gone to visit his twin sister, Yamuna. In return, she welcomed him with a tilak ceremony, garlanded him and fed him special dishes. They dined together after a long time and exchanged gifts. Hence on Bhai Dooj , the aarti and tika play a huge part, whereas, on Raksha Bandhan , a sacred thread is tied on the brother's hand.

Ritual wise, the festival of Bhai Dooj is little different from that of Raksha Bandhan as contrary to the practice of tying a sacred thread on the wrist of the brother, sisters on Bhai Dooj put a vermilion mark on the forehead of their brothers and seek life-long ties, cooperation and protection from their brothers.

Brothers on the other hand promise their sister of their unflinching commitment to their well being and happiness and touch the feet of sisters as a mark of respect. Similar to the festival of Raksha Bandhan, it is the brothers who present a gift to their sisters and sisters in return offer sweets and chocolates.

The festival is celebrated on the second day of Shukla Paksh and falls in Hindu lunar month of Kartik. Since Diwali was celebrated this year on November 4, the Bhai Dooj will be celebrated two days later on November 6.

While the festival of Bhai Dooj is celebrated across the country, it is known by different names in different parts of the country. In states like West Bengal, Bihar, and Gujarat, the festival assumes much significance.

In many states of the country the same festival is known by different names. Celebrations In its essence and sentiment, Bhai Dooj is quite similar to Raksha Bandhan but on this occasion the ceremonial Rakhi is not tied on the wrist. Get our Daily News Capsule Subscribe. Thank you for subscribing to our Daily News Capsule newsletter. Whatsapp Twitter Facebook Linkedin. Sign Up. Edit Profile. Subscribe Now.