The five-day-long festival of Diwali culminates with the celebration of Bhai-Dooj. The festival cherishes the affectionate relationship between brothers and sisters. On this day sisters apply sacred red tilak on brother’s forehead and pray for their long life. Brothers in turn bless their sister and promise to protect them at all times. The day of Bhai Tika falls on the second day of the bright fortnight or Shukla Paksh in the Hindu month of Kartik. As the name suggest the festival is celebrated on the day of Dooj which the next day after new moon.

Legends of Bhai Dooj
A very popular legend related to Bhaiyya Dooj says that once Lord Yamaraj - the Hindu mythological God of Death visited his twin sister Yami or Yamuna on auspicious the day of Dooj after a long period of separation. Yami welcomed her brother with exceptional warmth. She applied tilak on brother’s forehead and performed arti of him. She also treated her brother with a sumptuous meal of his favorite dishes. Yamaraj was elated with the affection he received and gave a special gift to Yami. He also declared that whosoever receives tika and meal from his sister on Dooj day will never be hurled to hell. Since then the custom of celebrating Bhai Dooj or Yamadwitheya is being carried out by brothers and sisters in India.

Another popular legend of Bhai Phota says that after slaying the demon Narakasura, Lord Krishna went to meet his sister Subhadra. The affectionate Subhadra greeted victorious Krishna by garlanding him and applying sacred tilak on his forehead.

Yet another legend says that after the nirvana of Bhagawaan Mahavir, his brother Raja Nandivardhan became extremely melancholic and depressed. He was brought back to normalcy with the assistance and affection of sister Sudarshana. From then on, women began to be revered on Bhai Dooj.

Rituals and Celebration of Bhai Dooj
Brothers and sisters anxiously wait for the festival of Bhai Dooj. As a tradition, brothers visit their sisters on Bhai Dooj. Sisters make their brother sit on an asana or chair and apply sacred red tilak on their forehead. Some akshat is also placed on the tilak. Sister then performs arti of her brother and simultaneously prays for his long life. After this, brothers and sister share a piece of sweet. Brothers bless their sisters for her affection and promises to support her under all circumstances. An exchange of Bhai Dooj gifts between brothers and sisters takes place at the end of ceremony. Brother is then treated with a lavish meal prepared by the sister.

It may be noted that the name and rituals of Bhai Dooj vary in states across the country. People of Bengal call Bhai Dooj as 'Bhai Fota’ of ‘Bhai Phota’ while people of Maharashtra know it as ‘Bhav-Bij’. In Nepal Bhai Dooj is popularly known as Bhai -Tika. But whatever be the name and the method of celebration the feeling for the festival remains remarkably same.