दिवाली (Diwali, English Meaning: Festival of Lights) also known as दीपावली (Deepawali) is the biggest and the brightest festival in India. Honour to return Maryada Purushottam Shri Rama, his wife Mata Sita and his brother Shri Lakshmana from exile of 14 years after victory over the demon king Ravana (The King of Lanka).
The festival spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness. The festival preparations and rituals typically extend over a five-day period, but the main festival night of Diwali coincides with the darkest, new moon night.
Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, Lord Kuber, Lord Yamraj, God Dhanvantari, God Hanuman, Goddess Kali, Goddess Saraswati, Lord Krishna and Demon King Bali are the most prominent names worshipped during Diwali.
Related Name
Dhanteras, धनतेरस, Dhana Trayodashi, Dhantrayodashi, धनत्रयोदशी , Dhanatrayodashi, Dhanvantari Trayodashi, Deepawali, Deepavali, Narak Chaturdasi, Roop Chaturdashi, Roop Chaudas, Kali Chaudas, , गोवर्धन पूजा, अन्नकुट पूजा, Annakut Pooja, भाई दूज, भैया दूजी, भाई टीका, Bhai Dooj, Bhaiya Dooji, Bhai Tika
Also called Dhantrayodashi, this day marks the birthday of Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity, and the birthday of Dhanvantari, the God of Health and Healing.
Dhanteras is also a major shopping day, particularly for gold or silver articles. Merchants, traders and retailers stock up, put articles on sale, and prepare for this day. Lakshmi Puja is performed in the evening. Some people decorate their shops, work place or items symbolizing their source of sustenance and prosperity.
Hindi Version:
धनतेरस को धनत्रयोदशी भी कहा जाता है, इस दिन धन और समृद्धि की देवी माँ लक्ष्मी एवं स्वास्थ्य और चिकित्सा के देवता धनवंतरी का जन्मदिन मनाया जाता है।
धनतेरस मुख्यतया खरीदारी के दिन के रूप मे मानते हैं, विशेष रूप से सोने और चांदी के लिए है। व्यापारी और खुदरा विक्रेताओं को शेयर बिक्रेता इस दिन के लिए तैयारी करते हैं। कुछ लोग अपनी जीविका, समृद्धि के अपने स्रोत, अपनी दुकानों और काम के स्थान को सजाकर शाम का लक्ष्मी पूजन करते हैं।
Dhanteras is also a major shopping day, particularly for gold or silver articles. Merchants, traders and retailers stock up, put articles on sale, and prepare for this day. Lakshmi Puja is performed in the evening. Some people decorate their shops, work place or items symbolizing their source of sustenance and prosperity.
Hindi Version:
धनतेरस को धनत्रयोदशी भी कहा जाता है, इस दिन धन और समृद्धि की देवी माँ लक्ष्मी एवं स्वास्थ्य और चिकित्सा के देवता धनवंतरी का जन्मदिन मनाया जाता है।
धनतेरस मुख्यतया खरीदारी के दिन के रूप मे मानते हैं, विशेष रूप से सोने और चांदी के लिए है। व्यापारी और खुदरा विक्रेताओं को शेयर बिक्रेता इस दिन के लिए तैयारी करते हैं। कुछ लोग अपनी जीविका, समृद्धि के अपने स्रोत, अपनी दुकानों और काम के स्थान को सजाकर शाम का लक्ष्मी पूजन करते हैं।
Badi Diwali is also known as Narak Chaturdasi, Roop Chaturdashi, Roop Chaudas and Kali Chaudas. Typically, house decoration and colourful floor patterns called rangoli are made on or before Narak Chaturdasi. In North India people celebrate this day as Badi Diwali, they light one Gee diya out side the house.
Abhyang Snan on Narak Chaturdashi might be one day before or on same day of Lakshmi Puja day on English Calendar. When Chaturdashi Tithi prevails before sunrise and Amavasya Tithi prevails after sunset then Narak Chaturdashi and Lakshmi Puja fall on the same day.
Hindi Version:
बड़ी दीवाली नरक चतुर्दशी, रूप चतुर्दशी, रूप चौदस और काली चौदस के रूप में भी जानी जाती है। आमतौर पर नरक चतुर्दशी से पहले, घर की सजावट और रंगीन रंगोली बनाकर मानते हैं। उत्तर भारत में लोग घी का दीपक घर के बाहर जलाकर, इस दिन को बड़ी दीवाली के रूप मे मानते हैं।
Abhyang Snan on Narak Chaturdashi might be one day before or on same day of Lakshmi Puja day on English Calendar. When Chaturdashi Tithi prevails before sunrise and Amavasya Tithi prevails after sunset then Narak Chaturdashi and Lakshmi Puja fall on the same day.
Hindi Version:
बड़ी दीवाली नरक चतुर्दशी, रूप चतुर्दशी, रूप चौदस और काली चौदस के रूप में भी जानी जाती है। आमतौर पर नरक चतुर्दशी से पहले, घर की सजावट और रंगीन रंगोली बनाकर मानते हैं। उत्तर भारत में लोग घी का दीपक घर के बाहर जलाकर, इस दिन को बड़ी दीवाली के रूप मे मानते हैं।
This day Maryada Purushottam Shri Rama, his wife Mata Sita and his brother Shri Lakshmana return from 14 years of vanvas (exile of 14 years) after victory over the demon king Ravana. People wear new clothes or their best outfits as the evening and visit relatives & friends, exchanging gifts and sweets. Then diyas are lit, pujas are offered to Lakshmi, and to one or more additional deities depending on the region of India, typically Ganesha, Saraswati, and Kubera.
Lakshmi is believed to roam the earth on Diwali night. On the evening of Diwali, people open their doors and windows to welcome Lakshmi, and place diya lights on their windowsills and balcony ledges to invite her.
Diwali also marks the beginning of new year, in some parts of India. Merchants and shopkeepers close out their old year, and start a new fiscal year with blessings from Lakshmi and other deities.
Sikh celebrates Diwali as Bandi Chhor Divas and Jain celebrates it as a day to commemorate Mahavir.
Hindi Version:
इस दिन मर्यादा पुरुषोत्तम श्री राम, उनकी पत्नी माता सीता और उसके भाई श्री लक्ष्मण के द्वारा राक्षस राजा रावण पर विजय के बाद 14 साल वनवास (14 साल के निर्वासन) से वापसी की खुशी मे मानते हैं। लोग नए या अपने सबसे अच्छे कपड़े पहिन कर शाम को सभी लोगों से आदर-भाव से भेंट करते हैं। दीये जलाते हैं, माँ लक्ष्मी की पूजा करते हैं, एक या अधिक अपने ईस्ट देवताओं का आव्हान करते हैं, आम तौर पर गणेश, सरस्वती, और कुबेर की भोग - पूजा करते हैं।
एसा माना जाता है, कि माँ लक्ष्मी दीवाली की रात को पृथ्वी पर घूमने के लिए आतीं है। इसलिए लोग दीवाली की रात को, अपने दरवाजे और खिड़कियां माँ लक्ष्मी के स्वागत के लिए खुला छोड़ देते हैं।
भारत के कुछ हिस्से मे दीवाली नए वित्तीय वर्ष की शुरुआत के रूप मे भी मनाया जाता है। व्यापारी और दुकानदार अपने पुराने साल के खातों को बंद करते हैं, एवं लक्ष्मी जी और अन्य देवताओं के आशीर्वाद के साथ एक नया वित्त वर्ष की शुरुआत करते हैं।
सिख धर्म मे लोग दिवाली को बंदी छोर दिवस के रूप में भी मनाया करते हैं, और जैन इस त्योहार को भगवान महावीर जी की स्मृति के रूप में मानते हैं।
Lakshmi is believed to roam the earth on Diwali night. On the evening of Diwali, people open their doors and windows to welcome Lakshmi, and place diya lights on their windowsills and balcony ledges to invite her.
Diwali also marks the beginning of new year, in some parts of India. Merchants and shopkeepers close out their old year, and start a new fiscal year with blessings from Lakshmi and other deities.
Sikh celebrates Diwali as Bandi Chhor Divas and Jain celebrates it as a day to commemorate Mahavir.
Hindi Version:
इस दिन मर्यादा पुरुषोत्तम श्री राम, उनकी पत्नी माता सीता और उसके भाई श्री लक्ष्मण के द्वारा राक्षस राजा रावण पर विजय के बाद 14 साल वनवास (14 साल के निर्वासन) से वापसी की खुशी मे मानते हैं। लोग नए या अपने सबसे अच्छे कपड़े पहिन कर शाम को सभी लोगों से आदर-भाव से भेंट करते हैं। दीये जलाते हैं, माँ लक्ष्मी की पूजा करते हैं, एक या अधिक अपने ईस्ट देवताओं का आव्हान करते हैं, आम तौर पर गणेश, सरस्वती, और कुबेर की भोग - पूजा करते हैं।
एसा माना जाता है, कि माँ लक्ष्मी दीवाली की रात को पृथ्वी पर घूमने के लिए आतीं है। इसलिए लोग दीवाली की रात को, अपने दरवाजे और खिड़कियां माँ लक्ष्मी के स्वागत के लिए खुला छोड़ देते हैं।
भारत के कुछ हिस्से मे दीवाली नए वित्तीय वर्ष की शुरुआत के रूप मे भी मनाया जाता है। व्यापारी और दुकानदार अपने पुराने साल के खातों को बंद करते हैं, एवं लक्ष्मी जी और अन्य देवताओं के आशीर्वाद के साथ एक नया वित्त वर्ष की शुरुआत करते हैं।
सिख धर्म मे लोग दिवाली को बंदी छोर दिवस के रूप में भी मनाया करते हैं, और जैन इस त्योहार को भगवान महावीर जी की स्मृति के रूप में मानते हैं।
Govardhan Puja celebrated as the day when Lord Krishna defeated king of heaven Indra. Gowardhan Puja is also known as Annakut Puja. On this day food made of cereals like wheat, rice, curry made of gram flour and leafy vegetables is cooked and offered to Lord Krishna.
Hindi Version:
जब भगवान श्री कृष्ण ने स्वर्ग के राजा इंद्र को उनके घमंड चूर करने के लिए गोवर्धन पर्वत उठा कर पराजित किया, तब से गोवर्धन पूजा मनाई जाती है। गोवर्धन पूजा अन्नकुट पूजा के रूप में भी मनाया जाता है। इस दिन गेहूं, चावल जैसे अनाज से बना भोजन, बेसन से बनी करी और पत्तेदार सब्जियों को पकाया जाता है, एवं भगवान कृष्ण को भोग स्वरूप खिलाया जाता है।
Hindi Version:
जब भगवान श्री कृष्ण ने स्वर्ग के राजा इंद्र को उनके घमंड चूर करने के लिए गोवर्धन पर्वत उठा कर पराजित किया, तब से गोवर्धन पूजा मनाई जाती है। गोवर्धन पूजा अन्नकुट पूजा के रूप में भी मनाया जाता है। इस दिन गेहूं, चावल जैसे अनाज से बना भोजन, बेसन से बनी करी और पत्तेदार सब्जियों को पकाया जाता है, एवं भगवान कृष्ण को भोग स्वरूप खिलाया जाता है।
The last day of festival is called Bhai dooj, Bhaiya Dooji or Bhai Tika. It celebrates the sister-brother loving relationship similar to Raksha Bandhan but with different rituals. The day ritually emphasizes the love and lifelong bond between siblings.
Hindi Version:
त्योहार का अंतिम दिन भाई दूज, भैया दूजी या भाई टीका के रूप मे मनाया जाता है। यह बहन-भाई के प्यारे रिश्ते से जुड़े रक्षाबंधन की तरह, लेकिन कुछ विभिन्न अनुष्ठानों के साथ मनाया जाता है। यह धार्मिक दिन भाई - बहन के प्रेम की घनिष्ठता को जीवंत करता है।
Hindi Version:
त्योहार का अंतिम दिन भाई दूज, भैया दूजी या भाई टीका के रूप मे मनाया जाता है। यह बहन-भाई के प्यारे रिश्ते से जुड़े रक्षाबंधन की तरह, लेकिन कुछ विभिन्न अनुष्ठानों के साथ मनाया जाता है। यह धार्मिक दिन भाई - बहन के प्रेम की घनिष्ठता को जीवंत करता है।
बंदी छोर दिवस (ਬੰਦੀ ਛੋੜ ਦਿਵਸ, Bandi Chhor Divas)
Bandi Chhor (Shodh, Chhor) Divas ("Day of Liberation") (ਬੰਦੀ ਛੋੜ ਦਿਵਸ) is a Sikh festival which coincides with the day of Diwali. Bandi Chhor Divas celebrates the release from prison in Gwalior of the Sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind, and 52 other princes with him.
The word "Bandi" is translated from Punjabi into English as "Imprisoned" (or "Prisoner"), "Chhor" (shodh) translates as "Release," and "Divas" means "Day", rendering "Bandi Chhor Divas" as "Prisoners' Release Day".
Guru Amar Das chose Diwali, later referenced as Bandi Chhor Divas, as one of the three festivals to be celebrated by Sikhs, the others being Maghi and Baisakhi (Vaisakhi).
The word "Bandi" is translated from Punjabi into English as "Imprisoned" (or "Prisoner"), "Chhor" (shodh) translates as "Release," and "Divas" means "Day", rendering "Bandi Chhor Divas" as "Prisoners' Release Day".
Guru Amar Das chose Diwali, later referenced as Bandi Chhor Divas, as one of the three festivals to be celebrated by Sikhs, the others being Maghi and Baisakhi (Vaisakhi).
Other Names of Diwali
Assamese: দীপাৱলী, Dipaboli / Dipali, Bengali: দীপাবলি/দীপালি, Gujarati: દિવાળી, Kannada: ದೀಪಾವಳಿ, Konkani: दिवाळी, Malayalam: ദീപാവലി, Marathi: दिवाळी, Odia: ଦିପାବଳୀ, Punjabi: ਦੀਵਾਲੀ, Sindhi: दियारी, Tamil: தீபாவளி, Telugu: దీపావళి, Nepali: स्वन्ति / Swanti or तिहार / Tihar
Diwali Preparations
For Hindus, the story behind each festival play a very important role in the formation of their culture and have a very deep significance and values. Most of the Indian festivals are attached to specific characters and personalities that helps the masses to understand and know the true significance of the festival. Just like all important Indian Festivals, Bhai dooj also has a story to follow that have carved a niche with its unique presence and strength.
Through generations, the story of Bhai Dooj has been passed from generation to generation either by word of mouth or through carefully stored scriptures. The narration of the story marks the end of the Bhai dooj puja. Once the various rituals of Bhai dooj such as the sister applying the teeka on the forehead of the brother, giving him the eatables and in return receiving the gifts are over, the women and children sit around, to hear the story behind Bhai Dooj from the elders of the family.
The story goes that once there was a family living in a village that had only a sister and a brother. The sister was very elder to her brother, thus when she got married, the brother was at a very tender age. The boy did not remembered any thing about his sister's marriage. After the marriage, the sister never returned to her mother's home. As the brother grew up, the image of her sister started fading with each passing years. He terribly missed his sister, especially on the Bhai Dooj day, as he used to see his friends with teeka on their forehead and plates full of sweets.
On one particular Bhai dooj, when the boy had turned up into a handsome young boy, he inquired his mother about the reason as to why his sister never visited her original home after her marriage. The mother replied that she does not come because there is a big forest between this village and the one in which she lives and there is a big river flowing in between. One has to cross the river by boat and then there are wild animals which fill people with so much terror, that many people do not travel through the forest.
Inspite of knowing the immense difficulty he will have to face, the young brother decided to visit his sister on the next Bhai dooj day. The mother reminded him again of the dangers, but he did not listen, and so it was decided that he would go and visit her. When the time came she told him to tell his sister that she should now come over and choose a suitable bride for him.
The boy set off and on his way he faced the rising level of river, which made it impossible for him to cross the road. There was also the danger of snakes. The boy requested the river not to drown him and told the snakes that they can bite him on his return journey, after he meets his only sister. The snake agreed, and the boy proceeded. Now, he came to a mountain, which started through big stones on him, and he again pleaded with it to let him go. The mountain also agreed. When the boy was near his sister's village, a big tiger appeared and decided to eat him up. He also pleaded to the tiger and promised him that the tiger can feed on him on his return journey.
The poor boy knew now that is days were numbered, still, he eagerly went along to meet his only sister. He entered the house, and saw that she was doing the Bhai Dooj puja. The sister on seeing him after such a long time, welcomed her brother with a smile and embraced him. She at once brought lovely fruits and sweet meats to eat. She set about preparing kheer, puri, kachori, and lots of other tasty items. When her husband came after work, both of them provided a very enjoyable and memorable time to the young lad, so that he was full of joy.
Days passed, and it was time for the brother to take leave of his sister and brother-in-law. Before returning back, the brother narrated the whole incident to his sister and told her that his days were numbered and that he is soon going to die. The sister was shocked, but she decided to accompany him for the return journey. She secretly packed some meat for the tiger, some milk for the snake, flowers of silver and gold for the mountain and some roli and rice for the river.
Soon they were on their way and, of course, the tiger came first to eat up the brother. The sister gave him the meat and he went his way. Then came the mountain, which wanted to fall on her brother. She quickly performed puja with the gold and silver flowers and the mountain was very pleased with the offerings and stopped falling. Then it was the turn of the snake, and it was given the milk, and went away satisfied. They now reached the river and as was expected, it started to rise, but the sister subdued it by doing puja with roli and rice, and the river went down.
Both, brother and sister were very happy to escape the dangers of the forest and were anxious to reach home. The sister was now tired and thirsty. Soon she saw some gypsies working far away. She wanted to ask them for water, so the brother sat down under a tree-happy to be alive-and she went to the gypsies and got some water. Their the gypsies predicted that the danger was not over and her brother will die very soon. She asked them to tell her some way by which this calamity could be averted. One old woman came to her rescue and suggested that until her brother gets married, she should go on cursing him, right from now on and continuous to curse him all through the wedding and also insists on getting all rituals done to her first, only then this boy can be saved.
As soon as she reached near her brother, she started to curse him and to abuse him. The poor fellow was taken by surprise, but she continued calling him bad names. This thing continued even when they reached home. The mother, along with the villagers were very surprised at the nasty behavior of the sister, but no said anything as she was married and had came to her mother's place after a long time.
Soon, the brother's marriage was fixed to a beautiful girl. Still the sister went on cursing on any pretext. Everyone wanted the wedding to be over as soon as possible and the sister to be sent back to her village. On the wedding day, she insisted that all rituals be performed on her before her brother. The sister insisted that they tie the sehra on her forehead first. She found a small snake in the sehra instead of a string. She pulled out the snake. Next, the sister insisted that the barat (marriage procession) should go from the back door and not from the front door and no decorations be made. When the barat was to start, somehow the sister had fallen asleep. Ignoring her words, the barat started from beautiful front porch. But, no longer had everyone gather, the whole porch fell down, and narrowly missed the groom.
Now the time for the pheras (going round the fire) arrived and the sister had again gone to sleep. As soon as the first round of the pheras was done, the boy fell down in a dead faint, because of the evil spirits who had come to take him away. The sister woke up on hearing the noise and came cursing in to the courtyard. Hearing the abuses and seeing her blazing eyes, the evil spirits fled. It was now time for the boy and the girl to give kheer to each other. They let the sister have the first morsel from which she took out a hedgehog's spiked needle and quickly put it in her tiny bag as well.
The wedding was finally over and every one including the mother and brother were keen to see the sister leave. Before leaving for her husbands place, the sister narrated the prediction of the gypsies and gave the reason for her bad behavior. Everyone had tears in their eyes and they hugged her feet, and all present said with one voice: 'Let everyone have a sister like this, who is willing to be talked ill of, and will go about looking wild and angry even during a wedding, although it was to be the only wedding in the family - all this just to save her brother and family from disaster.
Thus, the custom is prevalent that a brother does not go to his sisters house for the teeka; instead the sisters bring or send the teeka to the brother, as danger may lurk on the way.
Nowhere is the bond of brotherly-sisterly love glorified with such grandeur as in India. Hindus celebrate this special relationship twice every year, with the festivals of Raksha Bandhan and Bhai Dooj.
History of bhai dooj festival
What, When and How
After the high voltage celebrations of Diwali, the festival of lights and firecrackers, sisters all over India get ready for 'Bhai Dooj' - when sisters ceremonize their love by putting an auspicious tilak or a vermilion mark on the forehead of their brothers and perform an aarti of him by showing him the light of the holy flame as a mark of love and protection from evil forces. Sisters are lavished with gifts, goodies, and blessings .
Bhai Dooj comes every year on the fifth and last day of Diwali, which falls on a new moon night. The name 'Dooj' means the second day after the new moon, the day of the festival, and 'Bhai' means brother.
Myths and Legends
Bhai Dooj is also called 'Yama Dwiteeya' as it's believed that on this day, Yamaraj, the Lord of Death and the Custodian of Hell, visits his sister Yami, who puts the auspicious mark on his forehead and prays for his well-being. So it's held that anyone who receives a tilak from his sister on this day would never be hurled into hell.
According to one legend, on this day, Lord Krishna, after slaying the Narakasura demon, goes to his sister Subhadra who welcomes him with the holy lamp, flowers, and sweets and puts the holy protective spot on her brother's forehead.
Yet another story behind the origin of Bhai Dooj says that when Mahavir, the founder of Jainism, attained nirvana, his brother King Nandivardhan was distressed because he missed him and was comforted by his sister Sudarshana. Since then, women have been revered during Bhai Dooj.
Bhai Phota
In Bengal, this event is called 'Bhai Phota', which is performed by the sister who religiously fasts until she applies a 'phota or phonta' or mark with sandalwood paste on her brother's forehead, offers him sweets and gifts and prays for his long and healthy life.
Every brother eagerly awaits this occasion that reinforces the bond between brothers and sisters and their affectionate relationship. It's an opportunity for a good feast at the sister's place, coupled with an enthusiastic exchange of gifts, and merriment amid the resounding of conch shells in every Bengali household.
Underlying Significance
Like all other Hindu festivals, Bhai Dooj has got a lot to do with family ties and social attachments. It serves as a good time, especially for a married girl, to get together with her own family, and share the post-Diwali glee.
Nowadays, sisters who are unable to meet their brothers send their tika - the spot of protection - in an envelope by post. Virtual tilaks and Bhai Dooj e-cards have made it even easier for brothers and sisters, who are far away from each other, especially remember their siblings on this propitious occasion.
For Hindus, the story behind each festival play a very important role in the formation of their culture and have a very deep significance and values. Most of the Indian festivals are attached to specific characters and personalities that helps the masses to understand and know the true significance of the festival. Just like all important Indian Festivals, Bhai doojalso has a story to follow that have carved a niche with its unique presence and strength.
Through generations, the story of Bhai Dooj has been passed from generation to generation either by word of mouth or through carefully stored scriptures. The narration of the story marks the end of the Bhai dooj puja. Once the various rituals of Bhai dooj such as the sister applying the teeka on the forehead of the brother, giving him the eatables and in return receiving the gifts are over, the women and children sit around, to hear the story behind Bhai Dooj from the elders of the family.
The story goes that once there was a family living in a village that had only a sister and a brother. The sister was very elder to her brother, thus when she got married, the brother was at a very tender age. The boy did not remembered any thing about his sister's marriage. After the marriage, the sister never returned to her mother's home. As the brother grew up, the image of her sister started fading with each passing years. He terribly missed his sister, especially on the Bhai Dooj day, as he used to see his friends with teeka on their forehead and plates full of sweets.
On one particular Bhai dooj, when the boy had turned up into a handsome young boy, he inquired his mother about the reason as to why his sister never visited her original home after her marriage. The mother replied that she does not come because there is a big forest between this village and the one in which she lives and there is a big river flowing in between. One has to cross the river by boat and then there are wild animals which fill people with so much terror, that many people do not travel through the forest.
Inspite of knowing the immense difficulty he will have to face, the young brother decided to visit his sister on the next Bhai dooj day. The mother reminded him again of the dangers, but he did not listen, and so it was decided that he would go and visit her. When the time came she told him to tell his sister that she should now come over and choose a suitable bride for him.
The boy set off and on his way he faced the rising level of river, which made it impossible for him to cross the road. There was also the danger of snakes. The boy requested the river not to drown him and told the snakes that they can bite him on his return journey, after he meets his only sister. The snake agreed, and the boy proceeded. Now, he came to a mountain, which started through big stones on him, and he again pleaded with it to let him go. The mountain also agreed. When the boy was near his sister's village, a big tiger appeared and decided to eat him up. He also pleaded to the tiger and promised him that the tiger can feed on him on his return journey.
The poor boy knew now that is days were numbered, still, he eagerly went along to meet his only sister. He entered the house, and saw that she was doing the Bhai Dooj puja. The sister on seeing him after such a long time, welcomed her brother with a smile and embraced him. She at once brought lovely fruits and sweet meats to eat. She set about preparing kheer, puri, kachori, and lots of other tasty items. When her husband came after work, both of them provided a very enjoyable and memorable time to the young lad, so that he was full of joy.
Days passed, and it was time for the brother to take leave of his sister and brother-in-law. Before returning back, the brother narrated the whole incident to his sister and told her that his days were numbered and that he is soon going to die. The sister was shocked, but she decided to accompany him for the return journey. She secretly packed some meat for the tiger, some milk for the snake, flowers of silver and gold for the mountain and some roli and rice for the river.
Soon they were on their way and, of course, the tiger came first to eat up the brother. The sister gave him the meat and he went his way. Then came the mountain, which wanted to fall on her brother. She quickly performed puja with the gold and silver flowers and the mountain was very pleased with the offerings and stopped falling. Then it was the turn of the snake, and it was given the milk, and went away satisfied. They now reached the river and as was expected, it started to rise, but the sister subdued it by doing puja with roli and rice, and the river went down.
Both, brother and sister were very happy to escape the dangers of the forest and were anxious to reach home. The sister was now tired and thirsty. Soon she saw some gypsies working far away. She wanted to ask them for water, so the brother sat down under a tree-happy to be alive-and she went to the gypsies and got some water. Their the gypsies predicted that the danger was not over and her brother will die very soon. She asked them to tell her some way by which this calamity could be averted. One old woman came to her rescue and suggested that until her brother gets married, she should go on cursing him, right from now on and continuous to curse him all through the wedding and also insists on getting all rituals done to her first, only then this boy can be saved.
As soon as she reached near her brother, she started to curse him and to abuse him. The poor fellow was taken by surprise, but she continued calling him bad names. This thing continued even when they reached home. The mother, along with the villagers were very surprised at the nasty behavior of the sister, but no said anything as she was married and had came to her mother's place after a long time.
Soon, the brother's marriage was fixed to a beautiful girl. Still the sister went on cursing on any pretext. Everyone wanted the wedding to be over as soon as possible and the sister to be sent back to her village. On the wedding day, she insisted that all rituals be performed on her before her brother. The sister insisted that they tie the sehra on her forehead first. She found a small snake in the sehra instead of a string. She pulled out the snake. Next, the sister insisted that the barat (marriage procession) should go from the back door and not from the front door and no decorations be made. When the barat was to start, somehow the sister had fallen asleep. Ignoring her words, the barat started from beautiful front porch. But, no longer had everyone gather, the whole porch fell down, and narrowly missed the groom.
Now the time for the pheras (going round the fire) arrived and the sister had again gone to sleep. As soon as the first round of the pheras was done, the boy fell down in a dead faint, because of the evil spirits who had come to take him away. The sister woke up on hearing the noise and came cursing in to the courtyard. Hearing the abuses and seeing her blazing eyes, the evil spirits fled. It was now time for the boy and the girl to give kheer to each other. They let the sister have the first morsel from which she took out a hedgehog's spiked needle and quickly put it in her tiny bag as well.
The wedding was finally over and every one including the mother and brother were keen to see the sister leave. Before leaving for her husbands place, the sister narrated the prediction of the gypsies and gave the reason for her bad behavior. Everyone had tears in their eyes and they hugged her feet, and all present said with one voice: 'Let everyone have a sister like this, who is willing to be talked ill of, and will go about looking wild and angry even during a wedding, although it was to be the only wedding in the family - all this just to save her brother and family from disaster.
Thus, the custom is prevalent that a brother does not go to his sisters house for the teeka; instead the sisters bring or send the teeka to the brother, as danger may lurk on the way.
Bhai Dooj is a very popular festival in India. It is celebrated a day or two after Diwali. The date of this festival keeps changing year to year but it is always two days after Diwali. On this day sisters visit the house of their brother. They exchange gifts. They also carry a plate full of sweets, fruits and other goodies. In some part of the country the sister puts a red Tilak on the brother’s forehead.
Bhaiphota
In West Bengal this is called Bhaiphota. The sisters put chandan ka Tilak in West Bengal. Sisters and brothers wake up early. They wear new clothes. After this the sisters do a Bhai Dooj Puja. They do aarti of the brothers. Both the brother and the sister must fast before they perform Bhai Dooj. The sisters pray to god for a long life for their brothers in this festival promise that they will always take care of their sisters. Some elder brothers give gifts to their sisters too. Now that you know what exactly the festival is like and how it is celebrated.
The Beginning
We are now going to discuss how the festival started or rather the story of Bhai Dooj. It is true that all our festivals have a story behind them. This is what makes our culture so special and different. TheBhai Dooj katha goes like this. There was a family once upon a time in India. The family was a small one consisted of one brother and a sister. The sister was elder to the brother. When the sister was of marriageable age her parents got her married. The day she got married and was leaving for her husband’s house the brother was very upset.
After Marriage
The brother was very small so with time he started to forget about his sister. She initially did visit her mother’s house. However, with time she stopped visiting her mother’s house. The boy grew up with time. Every year he would see his friend’s celebrating Bhai Dooj. He would miss his sister very badly. He grew up to be a young and strong man. The mother tells him one day that it is a custom that the sister selects the bride for the brother. The brother asks his mother why his sister never visits them. The mother told him that the path to his sister’s village is filled with life threatening dangers so she is unable to visit them. He decides that he will go to his sister’s village on Bhai Dooj. The mother gets very upset and worried at her son’s decision.
The Path
The mother tells the lad what he can expect. There is a river on the way that drowns people. A forest that is full of wild animals. Then there is a huge mountain to cross. These create a lot of problems for the people who try to cross them. The brother said that he does not care he wants to go and meet his sister on Bhai Dooj. The story of Bhai Dooj takes an interesting turn now. When the brother tries to cross the river it increases its water level and tries to drown him. He tells the river to drown him when he is back after seeing his sister. The river agrees. After the river he enters the wild forest. In the forest he sees a lot of dangerous snakes who want to bite him. He prays to them and tells them that they can bite him when he is back from his sister’s place. They agree too. After the forest comes the huge mountain that starts throwing rocks on the lad. He prays to the mountain that he is going to meet his sister. On his way back the mountain can crush him.
The Lion
After all these hardships when he reaches very close to his sister’s village. He encounters a huge lion who wants to eat him right away. He pleads to the lion that he has come there after facing a lot of hardships just to celebrate Bhai Dooj with his sister. The lion can eat him when he is going back home. The lion trusts him and lets him go. The brother is happy that he is safe but he knows that his days are limited and he will die soon. The sister is thrilled to see the lad she embraces him. She performs the Bhai Dooj puja as she had been doing for years. Then she applies the Tilak on his forehead. After that she offers him sweets and fruits in a plate. The brother is also very happy at all this.
The sister is so happy that she makes many delicacies for him. Like Kachori, Puri and kheer. This tradition is still followed the sister makes delicacies for her brother even now. The brother in law came home in the evening and is very happy to see the lad. They together spend a good time witheach other. Soon the day arrives when the brother has to leave. He tells his sister that his days are limited now as on his way he had promised the lion, mountain, snakes and the river to kill him on his journey back. They all are waiting for him. The sister gets scared and decides to accompany him and ensure that he reaches home safely. She packs some small things that she can offer these dangers on the way back. She packs a loaf of meat, some milk, silver and gold flower, rice and roli for the journey. She does not tell her brother about this.
Next day morning they leave the house in the morning. On the way the lion is the first danger that they encounter. The sister gives him a loaf of meat and tells him to leave her brother. The lion is pleased with the meat and allows them to go. After this they come across the huge mountain that starts throwing stones and rocks at them. The sister quickly takes out the silver and gold flowers and does the puja which pleases the mountain. He lets them go. After a while they come across a snake. She gives him the milk that she was carrying and it too leaves without hurting the brother. Now it is time to cross the roaring river that is waiting to drown the lad. The sister takes out some roli and rice to do the puja. The river is satisfied with the puja and soon the river calms down and lets them swim across.
The sister and brother are very happy and excited that they could handle all the trouble so well. The sister is tired and thirsty after all the hardships that they had to face. So she goes to get some water from the gypsies that she could spot close by. The brother waits for her to return. The gypsies tell her that the lad with her is going to die soon as some evil spirits are trying to harm him. The gypsies have special powers and they can predict future of the people. The sister gets very upset and tells that she can do anything to save the lad. An old woman among the gypsies tells her that there is a solution. She has to get the brother married soon. Before the marriage actually happens she has to go on cursing the brother. All the ceremonies of the marriage have to be performed on her first and then on her brother. This was the only way to save the lad.
The Bhai Dooj katha now takes a very interesting turn again. The sister returns back to the brother with water and starts to curse him and call him names. The brother is confused. He has no idea what went wrong. She continues to misbehave with him even after reaching her mother’s house. The villagers and the family members are confused and angry. However, they cannot do much to the girl as she is a married woman and has come home after a long time. They just tolerate her rude behaviour.
She tells her mother that she will leave only after the brother is married off. The mother agrees and they start looking for a good girl. They soon find one and the date of marriage is fixed. While the marriage preparation is on there is no change in the behaviour of the girl. He is as rude to him as ever. He keeps abusing him the whole day. The family members and the villagers just want the marriage to be over so that she leaves as they too cannot take this anymore.
On the day of the marriage she insists that all the ceremonies are performed on her first before they are done on her brother. No one is able to understand why she is demanding something so weird. Nevertheless, they agree to her demands as they cannot take the abuses anymore. First the sehra is tied on her forehead before her brother. She pulled a small snake from it. Then the sehra was put on the brother. Now the sister insisted that the barat should leave from the back door and not from the front door as the tradition generally is. The sister fell asleep when the barat was leaving. This is why they left from the front door. The whole porch fell and narrowly escaped the brother. This sound woke up the sister.
They soon reached the house of the bride. When the time for phera came the sister fell asleep again. Soon after the first round of the seven the brother fell unconscious. This was so as the evil spirits had come to take him away with them. The confusion that happened woke up the sister. She soon reached the mantap and started abusing the brother again. The evil spirits got scared of the abuses and they left. The boy gained senses and completed the remaining pheras. It is a custom that after the phera is over the bride feeds kheer to the groom. Now again the sister said that she should be given kheer first. The bride obliged and the sister could find a needle in the kheer.
The wedding was finally over and all were happy. Everyone waited for the sister to leave as she had been behaving very badly since she had come. Before leaving the sister told everyone what the gypsy woman had told her and how she tried to save her brother from the evil spirits. This explained why she was cursing her beloved brother for so long and why she was so adamant that the marriage ceremonies are performed on her first. She also showed the needle that she got from the kheer. The mother and the villagers were shocked to hear the actual story. Some of them even had tears in their eyes. All the villagers touched her feet and they said that everyone should have a sister like her who is willing to face any danger and do anything for the safety of her brother. If she had not done what she was doing it would have been a very big tragedy and both the families would have suffered. This is the original and the very popular Bhai Dooj katha. This is exactly why unlike rakhi the brother doesn’t visit the sister. Instead the sister visits the brother. Brothers visiting sisters can be a bad omen and bring danger on the brother.
These are some of the details about the story of Bhai Dooj. The festival of brothers and sisters, it celebrates this special bond. The story is interesting indeed. However, this is what has started the festival and is still being followed. It is an integral part of our tradition. Some may feel that it is just a story and it never happened. We just wanted you to know whatBhai Dooj katha actually is as very few people are aware of the same. Even today in the Bhai Dooj puja this katha is recited by the ladies of the house. Before the Bhai Dooj ceremony actually starts.
- Clean the house and business premises usually by giving new whitewash or fresh paints. Make the entrance way to your home or business colourful using the traditional motifs of Rangoli designs
- Buying new clothes, jewelry and new household items either big or small
- Go vegetarian, prepare traditional home-made sweets
- Worship numerous deities
- Lighting Diyas with Gee and vegetable oil, decorating home with blinking electric lamps
- Trying Diwali remedies to gain wealth
- Care for your sibling, visiting relatives and family friends, distributing sweets, dry-fruits and gifts
- Calling distant family members, relatives and friends to exchange Diwali wishes are the most common activities during Diwali
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