IndiaFolks

In India festivals are celebrated with much fervor and much importance is given to them. Bhai Dooj is no exception to this rule. Festivals are based on legends and Bhai Dooj also has a legend of its own.

Significance and Meaning of Bhai Dooj
This auspicious day is meant to strengthen the existing bonds between a brother and sister. It reaffirms the brother as being a protective shield to the sister’s well-being. It also shows the love and affection a sister has for her brother.

Legends of Bhai Dooj
The legends of Bhai Dooj are based upon the sacred relationship between a sister and her brother. The rituals and customs depict this sacred relationship. Here are a few legends of Bhai Dooj which commemorate the auspicious day when it is celebrated:

• The Legend of Yamaraj and Yamuna – Vedas portray Yama as god of dead, and the spirits of those departed dwell in him. He happens to be the son of Vivasvat, the Sun and his twin sister was called Yami or Yamuna. Yami was transformed into the sacred river Yamuna. People bathe in the sacred waters of this river to purify themselves on certain holy days. Yama was the God of Death, whom most people fear. On the day of Bhai Dooj, Yama was called by his twin-sister Yamuna and after being offered Aarti, was given a gift. His sister also told him that on this day all brothers were to be invited to their sister’s home and the brother in return would present a gift to his sister. Till today, this tradition is being followed. The sister prays for the well-being of her brother.
• The Legend of Lord Vishnu – Lord Vamandev was very pleased with Maharaj Bali and appeared the rupa of Vishnu. Bali asked Lord Vishnu for a boon that Lord Vishnu should be at every single door in Patalaloka. Lord Vishnu accepts this and decides to become a Dwarapalaka of Bali.When Goddess Lakshmi came to know of this, she felt very distressed. She played a trick on Bali to bring back her husband Vishnu.to where he originally was. She goes to Bali as a poor woman. She informs Bali that she does not have a brother. Bali agrees to be her brother and asks to make a wish, which he would fulfill. She in turn asks for the release of Lord Vishnu, which Bali agrees.
• The Legend of Lord Krishna – On Bhai Dooj day, Lord Krishna after slaying the demon Narakasura visits his sister’s Subhdhra’s place who offers him flowers, sweets and welcomes him with a lamp. She plays a protective spot on her brother’s forehead.
• The Legend of Mahavira – When he attained Nirvana, he was missed by his brother King Nandivardhana who felt very distressed. Sundershana comforted her brother Nandivardhana. Since then Bhai Dooj has been celebrated by women.

Celebration of Bhai Dooj:
The sister places in thali several kinds of sweets, flowers, roli and rice with coconut. After the lighting of the puja lamp all members of the family perform the puja. The sister applies a sacred tikka on the forehead of the bother. After placing the tikka she offers him the sweets and eatables in the plate and the coconut. Married woman who stay nearby to their parents greet their brothers early in the morning. Those staying far away take a few days to visit them. Greetings through mail or cards are sent to the brothers. After the rituals are over, the brothers present the sisters with gifts.

Ritual of Bhai Dooj:
The day begins with a prayer common to the family. All members have to attend the puja. The sister places the protective spot, the tilak on the brother’s forehead. Then she performs the Aarti to ward off all evils that surround the brother. In return, the brothers deck the sisters with flowers, eatables and gifts.

Bhai-Dooj is celebrated in India with gaiety and sanctity. It is an occasion for a sister to show that she considers her brother as her protector. The brother, on the other hand shows his care and concern for her by showering her with sweets and gifts.