Bhai Dooj, popularly called Bhai Tika, is a popular Hindu celebration that takes place two days following Diwali. The festival will be held on November 6 this year. The essence of Bhai Dooj is similar to that of Raksha Bandhan, as both festivals honour the brother-sister relationship. Here, the sister puts tika to the brother’s forehead and exchanges wishes for his well-being as well as Bhai Dooj gifts. Well, the sisters are also equipped with a return gift! The entire family gathers to execute the auspicious ceremonies and to rejoice by cooking a variety of scrumptious delicacies.
But did you know about the legends that surround this sister-brother love festival? Fret not as here we present the historical stories defining the warmth and love between a sister and brother. Take a look:
Lord Vishnu:
According to a legend, Lord Vamadeva had urged Bali Maharaj to make any wish he wanted. Ath Patala Loka, Bali wanted Lord Vishnu to be on every door. Lord Vishnu was appointed as Bali’s Ombudsman. This message was delivered to Goddess Lakshmi by Narad, who became enraged and resolved to pull a prank to reclaim her spouse. She approached Bali as a beggar seeking assistance, explaining that she lacked a sibling and wished for one. When she requested for her husband back, Bali accepted her as a sister and claimed he would give her anything.
The Story of Yamraj:
As per Hindu mythology, Lord Yamraj (the god of death) visited his sister Yamuna on the ‘Shukla Paksha Dwitiya’ in the Kartik month of the Hindu solar calendar. She gave her brother a lavish welcome by conducting the sacred aarti and putting a tilak on his forehead. She presented Yamraj with the delectable meals she had made especially for him. He bestowed his blessings to Yamuna in return. Lord Yamraj bestowed a blessing on this day, indicating that any brother who visited his sister on this day would be blessed with the greatest health and wealth. Because of this, the day is also known as ‘’Yam-Dwitiya.”
Lord Mahavir:
Another folklore says, when Mahavir attained Nirvana, his brother Nandivardhan was worried and upset because he was missing him. Sudarshana, his sister, consoled him, and all sisters have been honoured in bhai dooj since thereafter.
Lord Krishna:
It is believed that when Lord Krishna went to meet his sister Subhadra after destroying the demon Narakasura, she welcomed him with a tika on his forehead and brought him sweets, flowers, and lights. Since then, bhai dooj has been observed.
The fortunate day of Bhai Dooj celebration honours your sibling’s love, affection, and respect for you. It’s also a good opportunity to wish your brother a long life. Happy Bhai Dooj, everyone!
