Bhai Dooj, falling on the second lunar day of the Shukla Paksha of Kartika, the eighth month in the Hindu calendar, is a significant festival known by various names in different regions of India. Also referred to as Bhai Phota in Bengal and Bhai Beej in Maharashtra, this celebration marks the culmination of the Diwali festival and highlights the special bond between brothers and sisters. Rooted in Hindu mythology, the festival recalls the visit of Yamraj, the god of death, to his sister Yamuna, who welcomed him with an auspicious tilak.
Observed on the second day after Diwali, Bhai Dooj 2023 is set to be celebrated on November 15 (Wednesday). The festival holds cultural variations in different states, with distinctive names and customs:
- Yama Dwitiya: In South India, particularly Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh, Bhai Dooj is known as Yama Dwitiya. It commemorates Yama, the god of death, visiting his sister Yamuna, emphasizing the sacredness of sibling relationships.
- Bhau Beej: Maharashtra, Gujarat, and regions speaking Konkani observe the festival as Bhau Beej. The term ‘Bhau’ denotes brother, and ‘Beej’ signifies the second day of the lunar fortnight. Celebrations in Maharashtra include sisters preparing a special meal for their brothers, symbolizing the nurturing aspect of the sibling bond.
- Bhai Phota or Bhai Phonta: In West Bengal, the festival occurs two days after Kali Puja and is known as Bhai Phota. This tradition is also observed in Tripura and Bangladesh.
- Bhratri Dwitiya: Parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar celebrate the festival as Bhratri Dwitiya, providing an opportunity for brothers to visit their sisters, spend time together, and cherish their bond.
- Bhai Tika: In Nepal, the festival is known as Bhai Tika. Sisters perform elaborate rituals, including applying tilak and offering prayers for their brothers’ well-being. This celebration in Nepal exemplifies the universal nature of sibling love, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries.
