Legends
of Bhai Dooj :
Most popular legend of Bhai Dooj narrates the story related to Yamaraj
- the Hindu mythological God of Death and sister Yamuna. It is said that
once on the auspicious day of Dooj Yamaraj visited his twin sister after
a long period of time. Yamuna treated his brother very affectionately.
She applied tilak on her brother's forehead and treated him with a
sumptuous meal. Lord Yama was so pleased that he declared that who so
ever is greeted with tilak and a meal on the Dooj day will never be
hurled to hell.
Another popular legend related to the festival says that after slaying
the demon Narakasur Lord Krishna visited his sister Subhadra who
received him very warmly. Subhadra applied tilak on Krishna's forehead
and showered flowers on him. Since then the custom of applying tilak
became extremely popular.
Bhai-Dooj Rituals :
On Bhai Dooj brothers visit their sister's house and have a meal there.
Sisters wait eagerly for brothers and prepare their favourite dishes.
Following the rituals of the day sister's lovingly apply roli tikka on
brother's forehead, perform arti and give him a sweet to eat. This
simple ceremony is symbolic of sister's sincerest prayers to the divine
for the health and long life of her brother. Brothers too bless the
sister and promise to take care of her. Sisters who are unable to meet
their brothers send tika by post. The latest trend is to send E-Tika as
more and more siblings have Internet access.
