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Bhai Dooj in India, is celebrated on the fifth day of the Diwali festival, which falls on a new moon night. The name 'Dooj' means the second day after the new moon, the day of the festival, and 'Bhai' means brother. This day is special amongst brothers and sisters and is observed as a symbol of love and affection. Traditionally the sister applies tilak with vermilion on her brother's forehead and performs on aarti of him, wishing him a long and successful life. In return, the brother blesses his sister and offers her sweets and gifts. Every brother eagerly awaits this occasion that reinforces the bond between brothers and sisters and their affectionate relationship.
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There are various names of this festival. Known by the name of bhai-dooj in the Hindi-speaking belt, it is called "Bhav-Bij" in the Marathi speaking communities and in Nepal, people know this festival by the name of "Bhai-Tika", in the state of West Bengal it is celebrated as "Bhai Phota" on the Dvitya or the second day after the Kali Puja. Bhathru Dwithiya, Bhatri Ditya and Yamadwitheya are another popular names for Bhai Dooj, an enchanting Hindu festival that cherishes the sanctity of brother sister relationship.
There are many versions as to how Bhai Dooj originated. One version states that Yamraj, the Lord of Death, visited his sister Yami on this day. She welcomed him warmly by applying a tilak on his forehead. The idea is that anyone who receives a tilak from his sister on this day is saved the agony of hell-fire. The brother who eats with his sister on this occasion is blessed with a long and fruitful life by Yamraj himself, who also ate on this day with his sister. Sisters prepare sumptuous, mouth-watering meals for brothers on this special day.
According to the Hindu scriptures say: "A forehead without a Tilak is worthy of condemnation and they exist for name’s sake only." Bhai Dooj Teeka is a mark of auspiciousness. On this festive day, the sisters put teeka, the on the forehead with vermilion, sandal paste, roli or kumkum (red turmeric) further decorated with unbroken rice grains. The unbroken rice grains symbolizes steadfastness and firmness of the brain and is also a symbol of peace. Thus the teeka applied on the forehead of brothers represents firmness, brilliance, honor, respect and faith of a sister.
It is a happy family gathering. Feasting, exchanging gifts and outing are a part of the ceremony. Some miss the ceremony because under compulsion they live far away from each other. In that case sisters mark on the wall for their brothers and send message by phone or by post and nowadays by e-mail and ecards. Celebrating this day has its own importance in continuing to maintain the love between brothers and sisters for it is the day of food-sharing, gift-giving and reaching out to the inner most depths of the hearts. |
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