Bhai Dooj the second day of the New Moon, is the last day of the Diwali festivities.
Legend has it that on this day Krishna visited his sister Subhadara after slaying the Demon Narakasura. Subhadra hailed her brother's victorious return by applying an auspicious tilak of saffron and sindoor mixed with rice grains on the forehead of Krishna.
In Hinduism a tilak is a very potent talisman applied in between the eyebrows which is considered to be the seat of Godly Power. The applying of tilak is considered a powerful protection and activation of Godly fortification.
In another legend the God of Death Yama visits his sister Yami on Bhai dooj. By applying the tilak on Yama's forehead Yami fortifies her brother's powers of Immortality.
In return for their sister's blessings both Krishna and Yama promise to protect them forever and shower them with priceless gifts of precious jewellery.
In keeping with tradition on Bhai Dooj all Indians celebrate this festival with religious fervor. Brothers visit their sisters and complete the auspicious ritual of receiving protection from them by their application of the Tilak, and in return promise their protection to the sister forever. They bring gifts for their sisters mostly in the form of jewellery, cash. The day is marked with feasting and merriment.
Bhai Dooj is a day when the eternal love of siblings is sealed with the ritual of protection performed in this unique ceremony.
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