Jamshedpur, Nov. 13: The city celebrated Bhai Dooj, a festival that focuses on the love and affection of a brother and a sister on Saturday.
The city was gripped with festive fervor. On this day, sisters pray for the long life of their brothers. In return, brothers pamper their sisters by showering them with gifts and a promise to stand by them throughout their lives.
Celebrated two days after Diwali in the month of Kartik, brothers and sisters strengthen the bond of love they share. The legend associated with this festival is that after slaying Narakasura, Lord Krishna visited his sister Subhadra, who accorded him a warm welcome with sweets and flowers. She also affectionately applied tilak on Krishna’s forehead. Since, then the custom of celebrating Bhai Dooj began.
“I make it a point to meet my sister and take her blessings on this occasion. We celebrate the day with tika, mithai, aarti, gifts and a feast with the family,” said Rinil Gupta, who works as a legal consultant.
According to Hindu mythology, Bhai Dooj is celebrated because of the significance of the slaying of Narkasur demon.
It is said that Lord Krishna visited his sister Subhadra who welcomed him and applied tilak on his forehead. People say from that time celebrating this festival came into existence.
Another story goes that this day is celebrated for the legend Lord Yama. The God of Death visits his sister Yami and she puts tilak on his forehead. This mark signifies that her brother will always be there to protect her and his sister will always be there to pray for him.
