Bhaubeej, also known as Bhaibeej, is celebrated on the fifth day of Diwali. The festival is also known as Bhai Tika. The name Bhaubeej is commonly used in Maharashtra and Goa and it is also known as Yama Dvitiya in many parts of Maharashtra . In 2024, the date of Bhaubeej is November 3. The festival is popularly known as Bhai Dooj and is observed on the same day throughout North India . In South India , especially in Karnataka the festival is known as Yama Dvitiya.
The celebration of Bhaubeej is based on the famous visit by Lord Yama, the god of death, to his sister Yami’s home. Legend has it that Yamraj visited his sister Yami on this day after Diwali. Yami welcomed her brother with aarati and by applying the auspicious Tika on his forehead. She also served him his favorite dishes and in return Yamraj gave her gifts.
Yamraj who was overwhelmed by his sister’s love and care said to Yami that who receives tilak on this day from his sister will have to never suffer hell. Since then Bhaubeej is observed as a symbol of love between brothers and sisters.
Another legend has it that Lord Krishna visited Subhadra his sister on this day after killing demon Narakasura.
In Hindu culture, brothers are regarded as the protectors of the sisters. Therefore it is believed that sisters express their gratitude on this day.
In Maharashtra on Bhaubeej day, sisters invite their brothers to their home. Sisters perform an aarti and pray for the welfare of their brothers. Brothers in return present gifts to sisters.
Those women who do not have brothers dedicate the puja to Chandra – the Moon God.