New Delhi: Siblings are often the first friends a person makes in life. Growing up together, they are partners in crime and cherish a very special bond. Bhai Dooj is a prominent Indian ceremony in which sisters pray to God for their brothers' well-being. This celebration commemorates the profound and powerful connection between siblings.
Bhai Dooj 2022: Mythology
According to Hindu mythology, on this holy day, the God of Death, Yamraj, paid a visit to his adoring sister, Yami (Yamuna). His sister greeted him with aarti and a tilak ritual. She presented him with a garland and various delicacies, including sweets. He had given her sister a one-of-a-kind present as a token of his love and concern for her. Yamraj had declared that the brothers who would receive tilak and aarti from their sister would never be afraid. As a result, the same day is known as the Yama Dwitiya.
Another version goes that after destroying the demon king Narakasur, Hindu Lord Krishna came to his sister, Subhadra, and was greeted with tilak, aarti, sweets, and flowers.
Bhai Dooj is religiously commemorated in various regions of India, including Delhi, West Bengal, Bihar, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and others, on the second day of Shukla Paksha of the Kartika month, with a variety of rituals and traditions.
Bhai Dooj 2022: Significance
It is a time when brothers and sisters reflect on their commitments to one another. This event adds a lot of joy, affection, and warmth to the connection between a brother and a sister and also celebrates the love and care that brothers and sisters have for one another. Their sisters present five betel nuts and betel leaves to their brothers and pray by sprinkling water on their hands.
A grand feast is also prepared during Bhai dooj and is a time to get together with family, relatives and friends.
Bhai Dooj 2022: Known as Bhai Phonta in West Bengal
This ceremony is known as 'Bhai Phonta' in Bengal, and it is conducted by the sister who fasts rigorously till she places a 'phota or phonta' which is a mark with sandalwood paste on her brother's forehead, brings him sweets and gifts, and prays for his long and healthy life.
Every brother looks forward to this event. It's a time for a wonderful feast at the sister's house, as well as a joyful exchange of presents and mirth amid the booming of conch shells in every Bengali family.
Bhai Dooj 2022: Celebration in other parts of the country:
Gujarat: Bhai Beej is commemorated in Gujarat with a traditional tilak ritual and aarti (prayers).
Maharashtra and Goa: This celebration is known as Bhav Bij in the Marathi-speaking populations of Maharashtra and Goa. After the brother consumes a bitter fruit called Karith, the sisters draw a square on the floor where the brothers are supposed to sit. The festival's most popular delicacies are Basundi Poori and Shrikhand Poori.