Like Raksha Bhandan, Bhai Dooj has deep significance in Indian culture. It carries several regional name, like in West Bengal the festival is called as Bhai Phota, in Nepal as Bhai Tika etc. The tradition of sister applying tika to her brother's forehead and praying God for his well-being is age-old. The day falls immediately after Diwali and is celebrated all over India in unique style.

Soul Connecting Legend of Bhai Dooj
According to Hindu mythology, Bhai Dooj is associated with the legends of Yamraj and Yamuna, Goddess Lakshmi and Bali, Lord Krishna and sister Subhadra, Lord Mahavir and Sudarshana and many. Beside, the saga underlying the days of God and Goddesses, many other stories relating to normal human-beings are also quoted in historical book.

The most popular mythic tale depicts the relation between Lord Yamraj and his twin sister Yammuna and Yami. Accordingly, Yamraj, after a long period of separation from his sister, visited the home of Yami. He received exceptional love and sacred red tilak from his sister. He was so overwhelmed with sister's love that he declared the auspicious day as Bhai Dooj. Since then he began the custom of celebrating it by every brothers and sisters. As per the legend the festival is also known as 'Yama Dwiteeya'.


Rituals in Bhai Dooj
According to Hindu calendar, Bhaiya Dooj falls in Kartik month, two days after the new moon appears. Though the festival is known by different names, it is followed in the common way of sisters smearing brother's forehead with sandal wood paste/or red tilak and then performing Aarti for their brothers. They offer sweets to their Bhaiyas and in return they receive gift and assurance that in any odd or evens in the life, their brother will always carry their responsibility. It is said that tilak used on the ritual as the holy protective power to save brothers from evil effects.

Bhai Dooj Shlokas( Sanskrit Version)
"Bhratus tabaa grajaataaham, Bhunksa bhaktamidam shuvam Preetaye yama raajasya Yamunaah Visheshatah."

The above quoted line means- I'm your sister, Eat this sacred rice, For the pleasure of "Yam Raj" and "Yamuna".


Bhai Dooj Attraction and Celebration:
Bhai dooj is two days after Diwali, therefore celebration is continued with beholding the prior decoration. Sister start preparing pooja items, including Puja platform, Diya(lamp), roli, rice, coconut and sweets. They decorate their house with drawing colorful Rangolis To make the day special, home makers also prepare dishes like Pineapple and Mango Salad, Paneer Simla, Cumin Rice, Sandash, Khir and ladoos.

While sister make efforts to present their brothers some tasty delicacies, brother empty their pocket with shopping excellent gift hampers, chocolates and greeting cards. Younger saves the packet of crackers from Diwali gift collection for the very day.