Introduction
Bhaiyaduj festival is especially celebrated in Mithilanchal region. It has been a Maithil tradition to celebrate Yamapanchak, the fifth day of Diwali, or the last day of Kartik Shukla Dwiya Tithi, by accepting the invitation of brothers and sisters.
A Hindu holiday called Bhaiyaduj, or Bhai Dooj, honors the exceptional and one-of-a-kind relationship that exists between siblings. This festive occasion, which has great cultural and emotional significance, is celebrated on the fifth day of Diwali, the festival of lights. Bhaiyaduj is celebrated with a number of customs, rituals, and the sharing of sincere feelings between siblings.
This festival is also known as Bharadvitiya, Bhatradvitiya. In this festival, married sisters invite their brothers to come to their house. Since unmarried sisters and brothers have the same house, it is a tradition to celebrate this festival in the Swanivas.
History :
Bhaiyaduj festival celebrated by Maithils is similar to other regions of Nepal, but it is known by a different name even though the mythology and rituals are the same.
Bhaiyaduj has its origins in a number of Hindu myths and legends. A well-known story centers on Lord Krishna and his sister Subhadra. Legend has it that on this day, Lord Krishna visited his sister Subhadra, who greeted him with love and affection after he vanquished the demon Narakasura. Krishna's forehead was tilked by Subhadra, who also prayed for his wellbeing. It is thought that this incident is what initiated the custom of the sister putting tilak on her brother's forehead.
Method of celebrating Bhaiyaduj Festival:
Sisters make aripan (quadrangular circle) at home with pithar (flour of Arawa rice dissolved in water) and sit the brothers on a wooden platform within that boundary. The feet of the tired brothers who have come from far away are washed with hot water by placing them on the kopra.
Tilak and Aarti:
The festival begins with the sister applying a tilak on her brother's forehead. This tilak is often made from a mixture of vermillion, yogurt, and rice. After applying the tilak, the sister performs an aarti, waving aarti thali around her brother to ward off evil spirits. After that, it is a Maithil tradition that the brothers who have spread their fingers, put pithar, betel leaves and betel nuts on them, and the sisters apply the seven-color tika.
Sweets and Gifts:
Exchanging sweets and gifts is an integral part of Bhaiyaduj. Sisters prepare delicious treats for their brothers and offer them with love. In return, brothers give thoughtful gifts as a token of appreciation and affection. Brothers put new clothes, ornaments and cash dakshina in the anchal of the sisters. Sisters then complete the festival by serving sweets to their brothers.
Prayers for Longevity:
Sisters often pray for the well-being and longevity of their brothers during the Bhaiyaduj rituals. The bond between siblings is celebrated, and the prayers reflect the deep emotional connection shared between them.
Symbolic Gestures:
Bhaiyaduj emphasizes the importance of symbols. The tilak, aarti, and the exchange of gifts all hold symbolic significance, representing love, protection, and the sacred bond between siblings.
Family Gathering:
Bhaiyaduj is also a time for families to come together and celebrate. Siblings who may be living in different places often make an effort to reunite during this festival, strengthening familial ties.
In the Maithil tradition, after this ceremony is completed, the sisters express their feelings through song saying that the speed and fame of the brothers should be like that of Ganga and Yamuna.
Conclusion:
The lovely festival of Bhaiyaduj celebrates the special and treasured relationship between siblings. It encompasses the love, tenderness, and protection that characterize the bond between brothers and sisters and extends beyond the giving and receiving of gifts and customs. Bhaiyaduj becomes a time to ponder the value of sibling relationships in our lives and the enduring strength of family ties as the tilak is applied and prayers are said.
