New Delhi:
The festivities surrounding Diwali ends with the celebration of brother sister bond 'Bhai Dooj'. This day marks the end of the five day long festival of Diwali. Just like Rakhi, Bhai Dooj is all about pampering brothers with gala feast and beautiful gifts respectively. However, one major difference between Rakhi and Bhai Dooj is that while Rakhi is all about protecting your sister, Bhai Dooj is about praying for your brother's life.
On this auspicious day, sisters observe fast for their brothers, which follow with a 'tikka ceremony' ending with a sumptuous meal in the afternoon.
The festival is celebrated across the country. Known by different names, the occasion is celebrated in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra and Karnataka.
There are several stories associated with the festival. One story goes as Yamaraja - the god of death had a twin sister named Yami or the river Yamuna. Legend has it that every year after Diwali, during the Shukla Paksh of Kartika month, Yamaraja was called to his sister's home Yamuna, where she offered aarti and a small gift for her brother. As Yamuna fed her brother to his heart's content, the god of death declared that any brother, who visits his sister on Bhai Dhooj day will escape the hand of Yamaraja - the sister prays for her brother.
Another story mentions how after slaying Narakasura demon, Lord Krishna visited his sister Subhadra, who welcomed him with an aarti and put a protective tilak on his forehead for his long life.
Whatever the myth may be behind this day, one thing which holds utmost significance is that it is day of brotherly and sisterly love.
So here is wishing all Happy 'Bhai Dooj'!
