Devotees Celebrate Bhai Dooj in Prayagraj
In Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, devotees gathered to celebrate the festival of Bhai Dooj by taking a holy dip in the Yamuna River. This special occasion, observed on a Sunday, is a time for sisters to pray for their brothers’ long and happy lives. Mamta, a local resident, shared, “Today on Bhai Dooj we took bath in the Yamuna river and prayed for the long life of our brother.”
Significance of Bhai Dooj
Bhai Dooj is a festival that highlights the love and bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters apply a ‘Tika’ on their brothers’ foreheads and exchange gifts and sweets to strengthen their relationship. The festival is known by different names across India, such as Bhau Bij in North India, Bhai Tika in Maharashtra, and Yama Dwitiya in Karnataka and Telangana.
Mythological Background
The celebration is rooted in mythology, where Goddess Yamuna hosted her brother Yamraj at her home on Kartik Dwitiya. This day has since been celebrated as Yama Dwitiya. Sisters perform rituals like applying tilak, fasting, and puja to wish their brothers a prosperous life, while brothers give gifts and promise protection.
Though similar to Raksha Bandhan, Bhai Dooj does not involve tying a Rakhi. Ancient Hindu scriptures mention Bhai Dooj as a celebration of the eternal bond between siblings, with tales involving Lord Krishna and Yamraj.
Doubts Revealed
Bhai Dooj -: Bhai Dooj is a festival celebrated in India that shows the love between brothers and sisters. Sisters pray for their brothers’ long lives and happiness.
Holy Dip -: A holy dip is when people take a bath in a river or water body that is considered sacred. It is believed to wash away sins and bring blessings.
Yamuna River -: The Yamuna River is one of the major rivers in India. It is considered holy and many people visit it for religious rituals.
Prayagraj -: Prayagraj is a city in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is known for its religious significance and is a place where many festivals are celebrated.
Tika -: A Tika is a mark made on the forehead using colored powder. It is often used in religious ceremonies and festivals in India.
Raksha Bandhan -: Raksha Bandhan is another Indian festival where sisters tie a Rakhi, a special thread, on their brothers’ wrists to show their love and protection.
Mythology -: Mythology refers to traditional stories and legends that explain the beliefs and customs of a culture. In India, many festivals are based on these stories.
Fasting -: Fasting means not eating food for a certain period of time. It is often done for religious reasons to show devotion and discipline.
Puja -: Puja is a religious ritual performed to worship and show respect to gods and goddesses. It involves prayers, offerings, and sometimes singing.
