'Dwitiya' means 'Duj' or the second day after the new moon. Thus Bhayya Duj is the festival that marks the end of diwali celebrations. This festival is popular in different regions with different names such as 'Bhai-Dooj' in north India, 'Bhav-Bij' in Maharashtra, 'Bhai-Phota' in Bengal and 'Bhai-Teeka' in Nepal.
Legends Of Bhai Dhuj
Legend has it that Lord Yamraj, the God and harbinger of death, visited his sister Yamuna, on the 'Shukla Paksha Dwitiya' day in the Hindi month of 'Kartik'. Upon seeing him, she was delighted and welcomed him by performing his Aarti and applying Tilak on his forehead. She cooked many wondrous and delicious dishes for him which he relished completely. He was overjoyed at all the love that he received from his siter and he showered her with blessings. Lord Yama also declared that should any brother visit his sister on that day, he would be blessed with health and wealth. Thus, Bhai Dhuj, is also known as ‘Yam-Dwitya.’ It has also become somewhat of a tradition for brother and sisters to visit each other on this day and offer gifts to each other.
According to another legend, after defeating the ruthless demon Narakasur, Lord Krishna went to visit his sister Subhadra. She was extremely happy at seeing him in good health and quickly thanked god for ensuring his welfare. She then performed his Aarti and adorned his forehead with the symbolic Tilak.
It is also said that when Bhagwaan Mahavir attained enlightenments, his brother Raja Nandi-Vardhan was rather desolate because he missed his brother’s company. It was then that his sister Sudarshana comforted him and tried to make him get over his loneliness. Ever since, the bond of a brother and sister has come to be cherished on this day.
Bhai Dhuj Celebrations
On the auspicious day of Bhaiya-Dooj brothers and sisters get up early in the morning and get ready to celebrate their day. The sisters perform Aarti of their brothers and apply a beautiful Tilak or Teeka on their forehead. They then feed each other some sweets and exchange gifts.
The Kayastha community of Hindus celebrates Yam Dwitiya by performing a holy ceremony for Lord Chitragupta, the God of the records of life and death of all human beings. In honor of him, they also worship pen, paper and ink.
|
