Arun Jasrotia
Udhampur,TDD,In a vibrant celebration of the eternal bond between brothers and sisters, India is observing Bhai Dooj on November 3, 2024, today marking the conclusion of the five-day Diwali festival. The auspicious occasion, falling on the second day of the bright fortnight in the month of Kartik, carries a rich mythological significance rooted in the story of Yamraj and his sister Yamuna.
According to ancient tradition, sisters perform a special ceremony by applying tilak (sacred mark) on their brothers’ foreheads, offering prayers for their prosperity and longevity. The festival traces its origins to the legendary visit of Yamraj to his sister Yamuna’s home, where she welcomed him with great devotion and performed the first ceremonial tilak. Touched by her love, Yamraj declared that any brother visiting his sister on this day would be blessed with protection from untimely death.
This year’s celebrations commenced with the auspicious timing (muhurat) for the tilak ceremony starting from 1:10 PM to 3:22 PM. The festival, while sharing similarities with Raksha Bandhan, has its unique customs – where sisters traditionally welcome brothers to their homes instead of visiting their brothers’ residences. The ritual includes not just the application of tilak but also the preparation of special meals and exchange of gifts, symbolizing the strengthening of familial bonds.
The festival’s observance extends beyond biological siblings, allowing cousins and adopted siblings to participate in the ceremonies, making it an inclusive celebration of sibling love. Additionally, devotees are encouraged to light four-wicked lamps outside their homes before evening and perform special prayers to Yamuna for blessings and prosperity.TDD