According to Hindu Panchang, Bhai Dooj or Yama Dwitiya is celebrated on the Dwitiya of Kartik Shukla Paksha. It is a festival of faith and love of sisters towards their brother. After Rakhi, this is another festival of the year that depicts the love and bond of sisters and brothers.
According to a mythological belief, Yamuna observed fast for her brother Yamraj’s longevity. Since that day, Bhai Dooj is celebrated to represent the feeling of respect and affection between brothers and sisters. Sisters pray for the longevity and prosperity of their brothers.
In the year 2024, Bhai Dooj will be celebrated on Dwitiya of 03 November . Bhai dooj is also known as Yama Dwitiya in many states. It is a festival of devotion and faith. There is a tradition of applying Sindoor on the hands of brother.
Bhaiya Dooj - Yama Dwitiya
In Hindu society, this festival is a symbol of affection and warmth between brother and sister. It is celebrated two days after Diwali. This day is also called Yama Dwitiya. Hence, Yama Deva is worshipped on Bhai Dooj. It is believed that people who worship Yam Dev does not have to face premature death.
In Hindus, this festival is also related to traditions like the others. On this day, sister apply Tilak on the forehead on their brother. They give gifts and pray for the longevity of their brothers. In return brothers take pledge of their sisters safety. Brother should have food in the house of their sister as this tradition is considered.
Historical Significance of Bhaiya Dooj
As per the story, Yam Dev visited his sister on this day. Yamuna, sister of Yam, was eagerly waiting to meet her brother. She was very happy by meeting his brother. She welcomed her brother wholeheartedly. Pleased by the sister, Yam gave a boon that if, brother and sister have a bath in Yamuna river on this day then they will receive salvation.
Hence, having a bath with brother or sister in Yamuna is of great significance on this day. Also, Yamuna asked her brother to take a pledge that every brother should go to her sister’s house on this day. From that time only, tradition of Bhai Dooj is carried on. Brothers who stay far from their sister, they go on Bhai Dooj to meet her. They get the Tilak applied and give gifts to their sisters.
Therefore, this auspicious day of Bhai dooj is celebrated to prevent untimely death of brothers. Those who take bath in Yamuna river, get relief from untimely death and attains salvation. There is a tradition of worshipping the lord at the bank of Yamuna river.