Bhai Dooj is observed two days after Diwali, a day meant only for brothers and sisters. Bhai dooj story is mainly associated with Sri Krishna-Subhadra and Lakshmi-Bali Raja. On the day, every sister prays that her brother may return victorious from every battle in life, and every brother wishes his sister success in all her struggles. It is known by various names Bhai phonta, Bhaubeej, Bhatri Dwitiya, Bhai Tika etc.
The most well-known Bhai Dooj story is of Yama and Yamuna
It is said that the Sun God (Surya) and his wife Sanjna (Sangya) had two children — Yamuna and Yama (also called Yami).
Unable to bear the intense heat of the Sun after giving birth, Sanjna left him, entrusting the children to her shadow form, Chhaya.
Because Chhaya looked identical to Sanjna, no one realized the change. However, under Chhaya’s care, the two children never received a mother’s love — only cruelty.
Deceitfully, Chhaya banished Yamuna from heaven. Later, Yamuna was married, and she and her brother Yama did not see each other for ages.
After a long separation, Yama grew restless, longing to meet his sister again. Determined, he set out to visit her.
One day, Yama suddenly appeared at Yamuna’s home. Overjoyed, Yamuna welcomed her beloved brother warmly, adorning his forehead with a tilak and serving him a lavish feast.
Pleased by his sister’s affection and hospitality, Yama granted her a boon.
Yamuna wished that on this very day, every sister might mark her brother’s forehead and pray for his well-being — that this day be celebrated as Bhai Dwitiya forever.
The Story behind Bhai Phonta is also tied to tales of
victory and triumph, as mentioned in the Mahabharata.
At the heart of one such story are Lord Krishna and his beloved sister Subhadra.
It is said that on the Chaturdashi Tithi, the day after Dhanteras, Lord Krishna
slew the demon Narakasura. After his victory, he returned to Dwarka, where his
sister Subhadra had been eagerly waiting for him.
For Subhadra, Krishna was not the mighty Dwarkadhish (Lord
of Dwarka), but her dear elder brother — her dada. In her joy and devotion, she
decorated a welcome tray with lamps, incense, sweets, and sandal paste, greeted
him at the door, performed an aarti, and marked his forehead with a tilak
(phonta).
Pleased and moved by her love, Krishna blessed her — and
thus began the tradition of Bhai Phonta, the festival where sisters apply a
mark on their brothers’ foreheads and pray for their long life and well-being.
Lakshmi - King Bali Story
There is also another legend connecting Lakshmi and Narayan
with this festival. Once, Lord Vishnu was imprisoned in the underworld by the
demon king Bali. Despite many efforts, the gods could not free Vishnu. Finally,
they turned to Goddess Lakshmi for help.
Lakshmi went to Bali, introduced herself as his sister, and
applied a tilak on his forehead on the day of Kartik Shukla Dwitiya. When Bali
offered her a gift in return, she asked for the release of Vishnu (Narayan).
Bali, bound by the bond of sisterhood, granted her wish and freed Vishnu.
Thus, Bhai Phonta celebrates not just sibling love but also
faith, protection, and the sacred bond between brothers and sisters.
Mahavira Jain Story
One legend connects it to Mahavira Jain. It is said that after Mahavira’s death in the late 13th century BCE, King Nandit Vardhan’s grieving sister was persuaded to eat food to overcome her sorrow, and thus the ritual of Bhratri Dwitiya began.