Bhai Dooj 2017: A Touch Of Divinity On Your Forehead!

The date for Bhai Dooj in 2017 is October 21. Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhai Tilak, represents a bond of protection between a brother and a sister. Tilak on a brother’s forehead represents the mark of protection by his sister that guards his life from evil spirits. Read on to know more…

Bhai Dooj : What Is Bhaiya Dooj?

In India, a relation or bonding between two lives is considered to be very significant. The relation between a brother and a sister is paid high regards in our country. Bhai Dooj is one of those festivals, the duo of a brother-sister awaits every year.

Bhai Dooj is also known as Bhaiya Dooj, Bhav Beej, Bhai Phota, Bhai Tika. The proceedings of Bhai Dooj take place on the fifth, but the last day of Diwali festival.

According to the Hindu calendar , Bhai Tilak or Bhai Dooj takes place on Dwitiya Tithi (second day) of Shukla Paksha of Kartika month.

On the day of Bhai Dooj, the bond between a brother and sister is further strengthened. The particular day witnesses a sumptuous event of sweet emotions, as a girl prays for her brother's well-being and puts a protective Tilak (vermilion mark) on his head.

Although, the festival of Bhai Dooj is much similar to that of Raksha Bandhan , the history behind Bhai Dooj varies.

Why To Celebrate Bhai Dooj?

Following are the legends associated with Bhai Dooj:

Bhai Dooj : Yamraj & Yama Dwitiya

We have already discussed that Bhai Dooj is also popular as Yama Dwitiya. In this section, we will let you know the reason for associating Bhaiya Dooj with Lord Yama (god of death).

It is believed that Yamaraj visited his sister, Yamuna, on this particular date. Yamuna or Yami welcomed him with an auspicious Tilak (vermilion mark) on his forehead. Since then, it is believed that anyone who receives Tilak on this day, would never be hurled into hell. This was a boon from Yama, the lord of death. Hence, Bhai Dooj is also known as Yama Dwitiya.

Bhai Dooj : Legend Of Krishna and Subhadra

According to the Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna was welcomed in a grand gesture as he visited his sister, Subhadra, after slaying Narakasura.

On that particular day, Subhadra had put a protective Tilak on Krishna’s forehead. The protective mark symbolizes Bhai Tilak. Hence, this incident is considered to be one of the reasons for celebrating Bhai Dooj.

Bhai Dooj : How To Celebrate Bhaiya Dooj?

The day of Bhai Dooj or Bhai Tilak marks an end to the high-voltage celebrations of the festival of Diwali .

On Bhai Dooj or Bhai Tilak, sisters perform Aarti and apply Tilak to their brothers’ foreheads. The Tilak or Tika symbolizes a protective mark on a brother’s forehead. Sisters pray for the longevity and well-being of their brothers. In response, brothers take up the responsibility of protecting their sisters.

Let’s take a look at the celebration of Bhaiya Dooj in different regions of the country.

Bhai Dooj : Bhai Phota In Bengal

In Bengal, the festival of Bhai Dooj is known as Bhai Phota. On the day of Bhai Phota, sisters observe a fast for the whole day. Then, the proceedings of Bhai Dooj are carried out. Sisters apply Tika made of sandalwood paste, Ghee (purified butter) and Kajal (kohl) on their brothers’ foreheads. Traditional sweets are prepared by the sisters on this very day of Bhai Phota.

Bhai Dooj : Bhai Beej In Gujarat

Bhaubeej comprises the same customs and traditions, observed in a conventional Bhai Dooj festival. Sisters get up early in the morning and begin the Tilak ceremony. Sweets are made by the sisters and offered to their brothers. In return, brothers pamper them with pleasant gifts.

Bhai Dooj : Bhai Tilak In Bihar

When it comes to the turn for Bihar, the festival of Bhai Tilak or Bhaiya Dooj is celebrated in the most unique way. The proceedings start with the sisters saying bitter things to their brothers. They curse their brothers for keeping the evil spirits away from them. After saying such things to the brothers, it is a custom to prick their own tongue with a wild fruit. This symbolizes to punish themselves.

Although, there are different patterns to observe the festival of Bhaiya Dooj in different regions of the country, the essence of Bhai Dooj festival remains the same.

Bhai Dooj or Bhai Tilak represents the strong relation between the brother and a sister, which gets strengthened each year.

Celebrate the festival of Bhaiya Dooj with more enthusiasm and don’t let a drop of gloom appear on your sister’s face. For the sisters, this is the perfect time to pray for your brothers’ longevity and protect him from the negative vibes of the nature.

AstroCAMP wishes you all a Happy Bhai Dooj..!