Bhaiya Dooj

Bhaiya Dooj falls on ‘Shukla Paksh Dwitiya’ in the Hindu month of Kartik and marks the end of five day long celebrations of Diwali.

Bhaiya dooj honours the relationship of brothers and sisters. On this day, brothers visit their sisters, who perform the formers’ ‘aarti’ and apply ‘tilak’ on their forehead. Then they exchange sweets, gifts and heartfelt blessings. After the Tilak ceremony, sister offers meal to her brother with love and warmth.

A very simple festival, Bhaiya dooj brings out the expression of love and care between siblings and helps strengthen their bond.

In the year of 2017, Bhaiya Dooj is on 21st October.

Legend

As the legend goes, Lord Yamraj, God of death, visited his sister Yamuna on ‘Shukla Paksh Dwitiya’ in the month of Kartik. He was given a hearty welcome by his sister when he reached her home. She performed his ‘aarti’, applied ‘tilak’ on his forehead and cooked delicious meal for him. Touched by her heartfelt welcome, Yamraj showered blessings and gifts on her.

Pleased and overwhelmed, Yamraj announced that every time a brother visits his sister on this day, he would be blessed with health and wealth.

Then on, this day came to be also known as ‘Yam Dwitiya’.