Bhai Dooj: Siblings Gather in Prayagraj for Sacred Dip in River Yamuna

The ancient city of Prayagraj, revered for the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers (Triveni Sangam), witnessed a heartwarming spectacle as thousands of brothers and sisters congregated to celebrate the auspicious festival of Bhai Dooj. Marking the culmination of the five-day Diwali festivities, the observance saw a unique and deeply spiritual tradition come alive: siblings taking a holy dip together in the sacred river Yamuna.

The ghats along the Yamuna river, especially those near the confluence, buzzed with activity from the early hours of the morning. Devotees, dressed in traditional attire, queued patiently to descend into the river’s waters, adhering to a time-honoured custom that is particularly significant in this region. This ritualistic bath, performed hand-in-hand by brothers and sisters, is central to the local celebration of Bhai Dooj, which is also known as Yama Dwitiya.

A Bond Blessed by the Gods of Death and River

The tradition of the joint holy dip stems from a profound Hindu mythological narrative involving Yamraj, the God of Death, and his sister, Goddess Yamuna. According to folklore, on this day—Kartik Shukla Dwitiya—Yamraj visited his sister Yamuna’s home. Pleased by her hospitality and love, he granted her a boon. Yamuna requested that any brother and sister who take a dip in her waters together on this day should be blessed with long life, prosperity, and be shielded from the fear of untimely death.

This divine promise forms the bedrock of the day’s ritualistic fervor in Prayagraj. For the pilgrims, the dip is more than just a religious act; it is a profound affirmation of their unbreakable bond, a shared prayer for each other’s well-being and longevity, and a step towards moksha (salvation).

A Day of Ritual and Renewal

While the holy dip remains the distinctive highlight in Prayagraj, the celebration was seamlessly interwoven with the typical rituals of Bhai Dooj. Following their purification in the river, sisters performed the Tika ceremony, applying a ceremonial mark of vermillion, rice, and a sacred thread on their brothers’ foreheads. This tika is an expression of their love, reverence, and prayers for their brother’s success and long, happy life. In return, brothers reaffirmed their vow to protect their sisters and showered them with gifts and sweets.

The festival successfully brought families together, reinforcing the cultural and spiritual fabric of India. Despite the large crowds, local administration and police were deployed to ensure a smooth and safe observance of the rituals, managing the flow of devotees and maintaining order across the popular bathing spots.

Bhai Dooj in Prayagraj once again served as a vivid reminder of how ancient myths and deep-rooted traditions continue to inspire meaningful expressions of love and duty among siblings in contemporary Indian society.