Shillong, Nov 04: After the high voltage celebrations of Diwali, the festival of lights and fire-crackers, it’s Bhai Dooj! Time for the sisters to reach out to their beloved brothers and say how much they mean to them. Bhai Dooj/ Bhai Phota is observed a day after Diwali. It’s the celebration of Brother sister relationship.
On this day, both brothers and sisters are decked in finery. Sisters apply a sandalwood paste ‘ tilak’ or mask on the forehead of their brothers and perform an aarti of him by showing him the light of the holy flame as a mark of love and protection from evil forces. Sisters are lavished with gifts, goodies and blessings from their brothers. In some communities paddy grass known as “Dub” or “Dubya” is also put on their heads and chant a verse for the siblings long life. Then they place a sweet in the brother’s mouth.
Of course, the ceremony is rounded off with a grand meal and the exchange of gifts.The merriment of Bhai Phota is increased amid the resounding of conch shells in several hindu household. The name ‘Dooj’ means the second day after the new moon, the day of the festival, and ‘Bhai’ means brother.
Bhai Dooj is also called ‘Yama Dwiteeya’ as it’s believed that on this day, Yamaraj, the Lord of Death and the Custodian of Hell, visits his sister Yami, who puts the auspicious mark on his forehead and prays for his well being. Sothere is a believe that anyone who receives a tilak from his sister on this day would never be hurled into hell.
According to one legend, on this day, Lord Krishna, after slaying the Narakasura demon, goes to his sister Subhadra who welcomes him the lamp, flowers and sweets, and puts the holy protective spot on her brother’s forehead.(SP News)
