he season of Diwali is winded up with the beautiful festival of Bhai Duj, which is celebrated in the honor of the pious bond shared between a brother and sister. The sentiments attached to the festival are very similar to that with the festival of Raksha Bandhan. It is just that Raksha Bandhan ritual include tying of a Rakhi and during Bhai Duj, sisters put vermilion tika on their brother's forehead.
There are interesting as well as amazing legendary stories attached to the festival of Bhai Duj. To trace back the origin of this festival celebrating chaste bond, it is important to know about the incidents attached to it. Following are legendary myths associated with Bhai Duj:
Yama and Yamuna
Eras ago, Yama, the God of Death is believed to have paid a visit to his sister's home Yamuna on this particular day. In order to give him a warm welcome, Yamuna prepared delicious recipes of her brother's choice and made garland.When Yama came she performed arti of him, put anointed his forehead a vermilion tika and then put in his mouth a piece of sweet. Yamuna gave him a hand made gift too. While leaving Yama gave a token of love in return. He affirmed that whosoever would take blessings on that day, can never be defeated.
Lord Krishna and Subhadra
After killing the demon Narakasura and restating peace and harmony in three worlds, as Lord Krishna returned to his home, sister Subhadra performed Arti of him and put a tilak of rice and roli on his forehead. The ritual was done in order to shoo away all negative vibes around her brother and to pray to the Almighty for his wellbeing all life long.
King Nandivardhan and Sudarshana
The story is related to the founder of Jainism, Mahavir. He attained Nirvana around the same time. His brother King Nandivardhan desperately wanted to meet him before he left, but couldn't. Suddenly Sudarshana, their sister, appeared before him and made his brother feel better.
