At a time when warmth of relationships is cooling off with the texture of life undergoing changes under technological onslaughts and others, India still observes days which celebrate relationship between brothers and sisters, one of the most precious. Festivals such as Rakshabandhan and 'Bhai Dooj', also known as 'Bhau Bij', 'Bhav Bij' and 'Bhatri Dwithya' keep the warmth alive despite sweeping changes.
Celebrated two days post- Diwali, 'Bhai Dooj' is believed to owe its origin to several legends revolving around lord Krishna, Yama and Bhagwan Mahavir. "Though squabbles, disagreements and differences seem to be reigning now in brother-sister relationship these special days resuscitate our bond with one another, reminding us of the undeniable fact that we ultimately owe our origin to the same mother," remarked a young professional Anushree Datta.
Pandit Janardan Prasad Naithani said that the 'mahurat' of Bhai Dooj this year is from 9.30am to 10.51 am and another from12 pm to 1.30 pm. "This is the auspicious time for the sisters to celebrate the day in tandem with the spirit behind the rituals," he added.
"In both the festivals, it is the sister who ultimately receives the gifts. But there are difference between Rakshabandhan and Bhai Dooj. While Raksha Bandhan is about brother promising to protect his sister Bhai Dooj means protection the sister offers in the form of prayers for her brother's welfare," informed Rachna Bhardwaj, an elderly housewife from Dalanwala.
"In our adult years, we drifted away in different directions. Yet, whenever I happen to pass through a gloomy phase in my personal life my brother tends to stand rock solid beside me. Bhai Dooj is a day for me to express my gratitude to him for his protective guidance," states Deepshika Kathait, an aspiring model. "Diwali is one of the most fun-filled festivals. We, particularly the children, feel like lingering the mood as long as possible. Bhai Dooj stretches the mirth of the festivities a little more. But Bhai Dooj holds its own significance for me because it brings all of us cousins closer to one another and stretches the festivities a bit more," said Aditi Khanduri, a student.
"This is a festival where the sisters vow to protect their brothers through weal and woe. This is done through giving a dry coconut and blessing him with Arti," said Shikha, resident of Nehru Colony. "My brother gifts me beautiful dresses and takes me to a shop where I can buy things to my heart's content," said Abha Purohit.
Megha Chauhan says she feels sad when the occasion comes. "My brother being in Navy seldom comes home. I have cousins, but I miss him. I console myself, thinking he is engaged in a noble profession. The interests of the nation count more than those of the individuals," she said.