Bhai,
of course, means brother, while 'Dooj' means 'second'. The
festival is so named because Bhai Dooj falls on the second
day after Diwali, or the second day of the new moon. This
year, Bhai Dooj falls on November 16, and the anticipation
amongst sisters is palpable. After all, it is a time when
every whim of the sister is attended to and she is lavished
with gifts and sweets!
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.
Another legend has it that after Lord Krishna killed the demon
Narakasur, he visited his sister Subhadra on dooj day. She
gave him a traditional, affectionate welcome by anointing
him with tilak.
Yet another story is connected with Bhagwan Mahavir. After
Mahavir attained nirvana, his brother, Raja Nandivardhan,
felt depressed and dejected due to his long absence. He was
comforted by Sudarshana, his sister. Ever since, Bhai Dooj
has been dedicated to the caring spirit of sisters.
|
