The fifth day of Diwali, ie two days after Diwali on Kartika Dwiteeya, the second day after the new moon, is celebrated as Bhaiya Dooj, also know as Bhai Dooj.
Legend has it that Lord Yama, the Lord of Death, visited his sister Yamuna, who put the auspicious Tilak on his forehead. They ate and talked together, enjoying each other’s company, exchanging special gifts as a token of their love for each other. Yamraj pronounced that anyone who receives the Tilak from his sister on this day is truly blessed. Since that time the custom has been for brothers to visit their sisters to celebrate Bhaiya-dooj. The ‘Teeka’ is applied on the brother’s forehead, but it is a day dedicated to sisters. Raksha Bandhan may be “brothers’ day”, but this is “sisters’ day”.
According to another legend is after killing Narakasur, Lord Krishna, went to his sister Subhadra who welcomed him in the traditional way by showing him a light and putting on his forehead a Tilak of her sisterly protection.
Another version is that when Mahavir found nirvana, his brother Raja Nandivardhan was distressed because he missed him and was comforted by his sister Sudarshana. Since then, women have been revered during this festival.
It is called “Bhav–Bij” in the Marathi-speaking communities, “Bhai Phota” to the Bengalees and in Nepal by the name of “Bhai-Tika”.
More details
First Day – Dhanteras
Second Day – Naraka Chaturdasi/Kali Chaudas
Third Day – Diwali
Fourth Day – Vishvakarma Pooja/Govardhan Pooja
Fifth Day – Bhaiya Dooj
The legend of Diwali gambling
Ganesha & Lakshmi mantras for reciting
Ganesha & Lakshmi Stotras for reciting
