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The 5 Days of Diwali:

Day 05: Bhai Duj

Diwali is the five-day Hindu holiday known as "the Festival of Lights" and is celebrated over five days with each day signifying a particular aspect of the festival. The five days are:

Day 05: Bhai Duj - Festival of Bonding Between Brother and Sister


Bhai Duj is celebrated two days after Diwali and is the fifth or last day of the Diwali celebrations. This festival is celebrated as a mark of strengthening of the bond between brothers and sisters.


There are different legends behind the celebration of this festival. One is that on this day Yamraj went to his sister's house who welcomed him by putting a tilak* on his forehead.


Another is that on this day, Krishna went to his sister Subhadra's house after killing Narkasur who welcomed him by putting a tilak on his forehead marking his victory and her sisterly affection.


Since then, this auspicious day is celebrated as Bhai Duj when sisters put tilak on their brother's forehead and in turn brothers pamper their sisters, and take a pledge to stand by her side through all the ups and downs in life.


This festival is celebrated under different names in different parts of India but the main aspect behind this festival is strengthening the bond between brother and sister. It is one of the most awaited festivals in India.



*Tilak: "A mark made on a Hindu's forehead. On a man, the tilak takes the form of a line or lines...On women, a tilak usually takes the form of a bindi dot...". Source: Religion Facts: Hindu









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