The origination of the word Bhai Dooj comes from Bhaiya or Bhai which means brother and Dooj means second. In other words, the festival falls on the second day after Diwali, or the second day of the new moon. Every year depending on the new moon, the date falls, usually in the month of October or November
The origin of the festival, also known as Bhau Beej or Bhai Beej is associated with many legends. On the second day after the new moon, Yamaraj went to his sister’s house who welcomed him by putting an auspicious mark on his forehead for his welfare. It is also believed that Lord Krishna, after killing Narakasur, on this Duj Day went to his sister Subhadra who welcomed him with a lighted diya, flowers and sweets and putting on his forehead a tilak of her sisterly protection. Another legend is that when Bhagawaan Mahavir found nirvana, his brother Raja Nandivardhan was very upset and he was comforted by his sister Sudarshana. Since then, women have been deeply respected during this festival.
On the day of Bhaubeej sister’s invite their brothers for a sumptuous meal often including their favorite dishes. The whole ceremony signifies the duty of a brother to protect his sister as well as a sisters blessings for her brother.Sisters show their love for their brother by applying a tilak on the forehead of their brothers. This red tilak represents the safety and well being of the brothers from all evils. In return, brothers give their loving sister gifts and held them in the highest respect. As it is customary in Maharashtra to celebrate the auspicious occasion of Bhaubeej, women who don’t have a brother worship Moon God Darpanagayesha instead.
