Festivals in India are celebrated with much grandiose. It’s filled with colorful decor, sweets, and delicious snacks. Every tradition is celebrated in India with significance, keeping the virtues of a family bond in mind. The bond between a brother and sister is especially cherished in India, with not just one but two festivals. Rakshabandhan happens sometime around the monsoon season. It commemorates the bond between siblings and reminds them that they have to protect each other through thick and thin.
Another festival that focuses on the brother-sister duo is Bhai Dooj. It is grandly celebrated during Diwali, and this year it is celebrated on November 16th, 2020. Sibling bonds are hard to put into words. They fight, laugh, cry, and refuse to share their toys and food. But they also spend every day together, and their life seems incomplete without each other. Therefore, Bhai Dooj is a significant festival dedicated to honoring the eternal love and bond between siblings. But do you know the history and importance of the festival? Read this article to find out.
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History Of Bhai Dooj
Bhai Dooj AKA Bhai Ponta is celebrated on the second day of the new moon. It is a Hindu festival that is observed in India, Nepal, and other countries. Legend has it that Lord Krishna visited his sister Subhadra soon after killing the demon Narkasur, who greeted him with flowers and sweets to mark his victory against the demon. It is believed that Subhadra welcomed her brother with atilak on his forehead, and the festival Bhai Dooj was born.
Another story says that it’s about Yama, the God of Death, and his sister. According to legends, Yama met his sister Yamuna on the second day after the new moon to seek protection and well-being. Since then, the day has been celebrated across the country as one of the most important days for sibling bonds. Do your kids know the mythology behind the festival?
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How Is Bhai Dooj Celebrated?
Keeping in mind these mythologies, Bhai Dooj is observed by sisters fasting and praying for their brothers’ good health and well-being. The festival starts with sisters marking their brothers’ foreheads with a red tilak. They pray for their long life and prosperity, and in return, brothers promise to protect and care for their sisters.
Thediyas that are a significant part of Diwalialsorepresents the eternal love, prayers, and protection that every sister wishes for their brother. Sisters pray for the good life, prosperity, and health of their brothers, and in return, brothers bless their sisters and thank them by giving them presents.
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Fun Ways To Celebrate Bhai Dooj With Kids
Kids love festivals because it’s a day filled with fun and frolic. They are always interested in the origin stories, gifts, and delicious food that are part of Indian festivals. On this Bhai Dooj, here are a few things you can do with your kids so they can have a blast (pun not intended):
- Games
Kids love games. Organize a few games that involve siblings to be on the same team. Antakshari, charades, and board games are some of the options.
- Story-telling
Which kid does not like stories? The best way to keep them entertained is by organizing a story-telling session. Kids can learn more about the festival and share it with the rest of the family.
- Come Together
Festivals are a great time to come together as a family and make merry, and what’s a better celebration than Bhai Dooj to do so? Plan a potluck with your siblings and their families so your kids can have a good time with their cousins.
Every festival is unique and has its traditional significance. Teaching your kids about it and involving them in the festivities is a great way to carry on the traditions. Rather than telling them what to do, get them excited about the festival by involving them in everything. How do you plan to celebrate Bhai Dooj this year? Share with us in the comments below.
