BHAI DUJ or bhai dooj or Bhai Bij

BHAI DUJ

The festival of Bhai Dooj is popularly known as Bhai Bij, BHAI DUJ or Bhav Bij,Bhau beej amongst the Marathi and Konkani speaking communities in the states of Maharashtra,Goa and Karnataka. It is also known as Bhai-phota (or Bhai phonta) among Bengalis. Just as Bhaidooj celebrations in rest of India, BHAI DUJ falls on the last day of five-day-long Diwali festival, on the second day of Diwali. This is the second day of the bright fortnight or Shukla Paksha of Hindu month of Kartika. On BHAI DUJ, sisters pray for their brothers to have long and happy lives by performing the Teeka ceremony. Brothers give their sisters Bhav-Bij gifts. An important part of Bhai Bij in Maharashtra is a special sweet called Basundi Poori of Shrikhand Poori.

BHAI DUJ Ceremony

On the day of BHAI DUJ or Bhai Bij 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.

It may be noted that according to a popular Bhai Bij legend in Hindu mythology, after slaying Narkasur, Lord Krishna visited his sister Subhadra who gave him a warm welcome with sweets and flowers. She also affectionately applied tilak on Krishna's forehead. Since then the custom of celebrating BHAI DUJ or Bhai Bij started.

Carrying forward the BHAI DUJ ceremony in traditional style, sisters' perform arti of their brother and apply a red tika on the brother's forehead. This teeka ceremony, on the occasion of Bhai Bij signifies sister's sincerest prayers for the long and happy life of her brother. In return brothers bless their sisters and treat them with BHAI DUJ or cash gifts.

As it is customary in Maharashtra to celebrate the auspicious occasion of BHAI DUJ, women who don't have a brother worship Moon God Darpanagayesha instead.

In Nepal, this festival is celebrated as Bhai Tika and second most important festival after Vijaya Dashami.

Bhai Bij Celebration

Festival of Bhai Bij is quite popular in Maharashtra and Goa and is celebrated with lot of fervour and gaiety. Brothers and sisters look forward to the occasion with immense enthusiasm. To add charm to the occasion Bhai Bij Gifts are exchanged between brothers and sisters as a token of love and appreciation.

Bhai-Dooj is a Hindu festival that celebrates the love and affection between a brother and a sister. 'Bhai' means brother and 'Dooj' means two days after new moon. It is one of the most awaited festival in India. Every year the festival comes two days after Diwali in Kartik mon. Diwali, the festival of lights, is a five day long celebrations. The fifth or the last day of diwali is Bhaiya Dooj, popularly know as Bhai Dooj. The reason why this festival is known as bhai dooj is that it falls on the second day after the new moon, that is the Dooj day. And it is a day to pray for the long life of the brother, which is referred as “bhayya or bhai”. According to religious scriptures, Yamaraj, the God of death, went to visit his sister's house after a long period of separation. His sister, Yami was very happy to see him and welcomed him by putting an auspicious mark on his forehead for his welfare. Yami and Yamraj then shared a meal. He was so pleased with his sister's reception, he proclaimed that every year, on the dooj day, if a sister puts a tilak on her brother's forehead, then no one can harm her brother. Till date, this tradition is followed. Sisters perform puja for their brothers safety and well being. Brothers in return give gifts to their sisters as a token of love.

Another version Lord Krishna, after killing Narakasur, the asura king, went to meet his sister Subhadra. Subhadra welcomed him in the traditional way by showing him a light and putting on his forehead a tilak of her sisterly protection.

The festival of Diwali is incomplete without bhai dooj. It is referred as “Bhaiyya-Duj” in the Hindi-speaking belt, “Bhav--Bij” in the Marathi-speaking communities, "Bhai Phota" in Bengal and "Bhai-Tika" in Nepal.

Bhav Bij is the time for family reunion as all brothers and sisters in the family get together. Close relatives and friends are also invited to celebrate the Bhav Bij in several families. Delectable Basundi Poori and Shrikhand Poori is relished along with several other festival special dishes. The festival is celebrated between brothers and sisters to strengthen the bond of love they share. On this auspicious day, sisters put tilak on their brother's forehead and pray for their long life. In return, brothers pamper their sisters and promise them to stand by their side in all hardships of life.

Bhai Dooj Shloka

On the auspicious occasion of Bhai Dooj, as the sister apply tika on her brother's forehead she says a shloka to pray for her brother's well-being. Given here is that Bhai Dooj shloka in Sanskrit and Bengali along with it's English translation.

Shloka for Bhai Dooj (in Sanskrit)

"Bhratus tabaa grajaataaham,

Bhunksa bhaktamidam shuvam

Preetaye yama raajasya

Yamunaah Visheshatah"

Translation in English:

I'm your sister,

Eat this sacred rice,

For the pleasure of

"Yam Raj" and "Yamuna"

Mantra for Bhai Duj (in Bengali)

"Bhaier kapale dilam phonta,

Jamer Duare porlo kanta,

Jamuna Dae Jomke phonta,

Ami di amar bhaike phonta,

Bhai jeno hoy lohar vata."

English Translation:

I put a "phota" on my brother's fore-head,

To make my brother immortal "Yamuna" gives a "phota" to "Yam",

I give a "phota" to my brother Brother, may becomes tough as iron.

Legend -Story

Once upon a time, long long ago, Surya, the sun God, was married to a beautiful princess called Samjna (also prounced as Sangya). In course of a year, she presented Him with twins.

The twins were christened Yama, and Varni or Yamuna, and they grew up together.

However, Samjna, after some time, were unable to bear the brilliance of her husband, decided to go back to earth. However, she left her shadow, Chaya, her exact replica, behind, so that to Surya, it would appear that she is still there.

In course of time, Chhaya turned out to be a cruel stepmother and was very unkind to the twins. She soon gave birth to her own children, and at that time convinced Surya to drive out Samjna’s twins, Yama and Varni from the heaven. Varni fell to earth and became the river Yamuna, and Yama went to the underworld (hell) and became the King of Death!

Years passed. Varni married a handsome prince and was content and happy in her life. But she missed her brother and yearned to see him. Yama, too, missed his sister and decided one day to visit her.

Overjoyed by news of her brother's visit, Varni prepared a great feast in his honor. It was two days into Deepavali, so her home was already decorated with pretty lamps. She lovingly prepared a feast, including all the sweets and delicacies that her brother loved. Her husband, the handsome prince, was very happy seeing Varni so dedicatedly preparing a welcome for her brother.

Yama, too, was delighted by his sister's loving welcome, and brother and sister spent a pleasant evening in each other's company, after their long period of separation.

When it was time for Yama to return to his kingdom in hell, he turned to his sister and said, "Dear Varni, you have welcomed me so lovingly. But I did not bring you a gift. Ask, therefore, for something and it will be yours."

"Your visit is gift enough," replied Varni lovingly. "I have no need of anything else."

But Yama was persistent. "You must let me give you a gift," he insisted.

"Okay," agreed Varni, taking a moment to think. "I ask that all brothers should remember their sisters on this day and visit them if they can, and that, on this day, all sisters should pray for the happiness of their brothers."

"So be it!" proclaimed Yama, the King of Death, adding, "And I grant all brothers who give their sisters a loving gift on this day a long and healthy life!"

And this is how the custom of Bhai-duj, or bhai-phonta, came into practice. Bhai duj is celebrated widely across India, when sisters give a tika or phonta, (a mark or bindiya with the help of the finger dipped in sandal or curd) on the forehead of their brothers.

So traditionally all brothers visit their sisters on this day, exchange good feelings, and give them loving gifts. Sisters too, pray for their brohers lng life nd good health, and general well-being.

So, to all you brothers out there: Be sure to remember your sisters on this day and give them loving gifts-be they ever so small.

And, to all sisters: You, too, must think of your brothers and pray for their well-being on this special day.

• Wrist Watches: These are a much appreciated gift on the occasion of Bhai Dooj. Available in amazing variety today, all men love to keep a good collection of them.
• Puja Thali Hampers: A gift that is very traditional and adds an auspicious touch to the festival. This is an excellent gift option. The pooja thali is usually accompanied by bhai dooj ingredients or sweets. A charming Puja Thali Hamper will surely please your brother.
• Gift Hampers: A huge variety of ready-made gift hampers is available in the market today. Apparel be it shirt, kurta pyjama, tie or trousers, it is an evergreen Bhai Dooj gift for brothers. A stylish dress will flatter your brother’s personality.
• Sweets/Chocolates Hampers: Present your brother his favorite sweets and chocolates and let the festival have a sweet memory.
• Dry Fruit Hamper: This is a traditional gift for the occasion of Bhai Dooj .
• Gadgets: All men love gadgets. Give them useful and stylish gadgets for them to style around.
• Gifts for Bhaiyya-Bhabhi: To build stronger family ties, plan a gift for your brother's wife too. You will find a good variety of dual-gift-sets for bhaiyya and bhabhi these days.
• Gift Hampers: A huge variety of ready-made gift hampers is available in the market today.

• Jewelry and Jewelry Box: Women love jewelry. Go in for diamond, gold, pearls or fashion jewelry. Make your choice as per your budget. Necklace sets, earrings, bracelets, and hair accessories are a popular Bhai Dooj gifts for sisters. Jewelry boxes are very much appreciated too. Why dont you get both the gifts ?
• Bags: Handcrafted and embroidered bags, beaded bags, totes, purses, trendy clutches are excellent gift options.
• Soft Toys Hampers : Soft toys are a girl’s best friends. Give your loving sister a teddy with her favorite chocolates or flowers or both.
• Show-Pieces: Show pieces come in entrancing designs to attract anyone. Just select the one that appeals most to the eye and suits the budget.
• Flowers and Chocolates: This is a great combo.
• Perfumes: A gift of aromatic perfume can be a perfect gift for your sister. 

BHAI DOOJ
The auspicious moment of Bhai Dooj brings special thoughts about siblings and on this festive occasion you want to wish for their happiness. No other mode of expression is perfect than giving a greeting card on this festive occasion. A token of love and appreciation, Bhai Dooj cards are created with fond thoughts and are laced with wishes for all the joys forever.

There are times when emotions can't be expressed but simply felt. So, on Bhai Dooj, gift a card and let your brother or sister feel the special bond that you share and how lucky it is to have such a nice and wonderful relationship. With the advent of Internet and e-cards, the modes of communication one can share has been facilitated to unmatched levels, making distance a no factor in expressing your love and gratitude on this pious occasion. http://www.dgreetings.com/bhaidooj/

1. Holi is colorful,
Deewali is lightful and brightful,
Bhai Dooj has made our relationship POWERFUL.

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2. Rasmalaai?
Nope!
Gulab jaman?
Nah!
Let me c..
How bout jalebi?
Hmm…
Nope!
Damn!
Still cant find
anything as sweet
as U.
Happy Bhai Dooj..!!!

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3. Bhai Dooj Ko Sabhi Bhaiyo Aur Bahano Ko
Hardik Shubhkamnaye, Happy Bhaiya Dooj!!

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4. Another fresh Bhai Dooj is here
Another year to live!
To banish worry, doubt, and fear,
To love and laugh and give!

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5. A happy Bhai Dooj! Grant that I May bring no tear to any eye When this Bhai Dooj in time shall end Let it be said I’ve played the friend, Have lived and loved and labored here, And made of it a happy year.

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6. Drop the last year into the silent limbo of the past. Let it go, for it was imperfect, and thank God that it can go.

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7. Sky is blue, feel this hue,
My love is for you Bhaiya…always true.
Loads of good wishes for Bhai Dooj..!!

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8. My Dear Brother is one of the most precious gift sent by God. Happy Bhai Dooj to you.

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9. We gain and lose things everyday. But trust me on one thing. You’ll never lose me. I will always be here.
Happy Bhai Dooj…!!

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10. May this auspicious occasion bring you all the prosperity and good luck in your way of life. Happy Bhaiya Dooj to you.