The second day after the appearance of New Moon in the sky is observed as Bhai Duj. Similar to Raksha Bandhan, this festival commemorates the brother-sister relationship. Legendary stories say that Yamaraj, the God of death visited his sister on this auspicious day who anointed on his forehead the roli and rice paste for the sake of his welfare.
Another interesting story from Treta Yuga is associated with this festival. When Lord Krishna after killing Narakasura returned home, his sister Subhadra welcomed him by putting vermilion paste on his forehead. The purpose behind performing the ceremony is to clear the air surrounding the brother from all kinds of negative vibes.
Different names have been given to the festival in different regions of India. In Hindi speaking places the festival is called as 'Bhaiyya Duj'. Marathis call it 'Bhav Bij', for Bengalis it is 'Bhai Phota' and natives of Nepal have named it 'Bhai Tika'. Different names but the spirit is the same all over.
The ritual is almost same in all communities. Girls after an early bath prepare Puja Thali. Then they perform Arti of their brother before putting a vermilion tika on his forehead. Sometimes, this tika is of roli and rice paste and sometimes it is a sandalwood paste. In Bengal, this paste is made in a typical way. They mix sandal wood paste, red colored powder called 'roli'and home made kajal and make a paste of them all. If the sister is elder she blesses her brother with rice grains and dubya and in turn the brother touches her feet.
Gifts are also exchanged among brothers and sisters as well as among relatives on this festive day. People invite their loved ones for lunch or dinner to have a merri time together.
Diwali gone just two days ago, the aura of jubilations does not fade away. Festivals like Bhai Duj keeps it alive.The rituals showcase a beautiful aspect of the eternal bond of love and affection between brother and sister in Indian culture. Like all other India festivals, this festival too marks the strong familial ties existing between the family members.
