Bhai Dooj and Rakhi are the two occasions which are a sincere effort to pay tribute to the amazing bond of love between siblings. Bhai Duj comes from Bhaiya or Bhai which means brother and Dooj means second. The festival falls on the second day after Diwali, or the second day of the new moon. Every year depending on the new moon, the date falls usually in the month of October or November.
The difference between Raksha Bandhan and Bhai Dooj is the primary person for whom the pledge is taken. On Rakhi Day, a brother promises to protect his sister while on Bhai Dooj, the festival is symbolic of an affirmation of a sister's protection of her brother's well being. This festival is primarily celebrated in the northern states of India. One thing though remains common, the sister is lavished with sweets and gifts.
Bhav Bij or Bhatri Dwithya or Bhau Bij is associated with many stories and legends. On the second day after the new moon, Yamaraj went to his sister's house who welcomed him by putting an auspicious mark on his forehead for his welfare. It is also believed that Lord Krishna, after killing Narakasur, on Bhaiya Dooj Day went to his sister Subhadra who welcomed him with a lighted diya, flowers and sweets and putting on his forehead a tilak of her sisterly protection. Another legend is that when Bhagawaan Mahavir found nirvana, his brother Raja Nandivardhan was very upset and he was comforted by his sister Sudarshana.
Sisters express their love for their brother by applying a tilak on the forehead of their brothers. This red tilak or teeka represents the heartfelt wish of every sister for the safety and well being of her brothers from all evils. Brothers too convey their highest regards for their sister with Bhai Dooj gifts of her choice.
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