2024 Yama Dwitiya

What is Yama Dwitiya?

Yama Dwitiya is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Yamraj, the God Of Death. It is observed on the Dwitiya tithi in the Hindu month of Kartik. In general case, Yama Dwitiya is celebrated two days after Diwali Puja. On this day, Lord Yama is worshipped along with Lord Chitragupta and Yama-Doots.

How to Do Yama Dwitiya Puja?

Yama Dwitiya Puja is done early in the morning. As per Hindu scriptures, Aparahna is considered the most suitable time to perform this Puja. Performing Yamuna Snan on this day before commencing the Puja is considered highly auspicious. After taking a bath, devotees perform the Puja by offering prayers and reciting mantras in reverenced to Lord Yama. The Puja is concluded by giving Arghya to Lord Yama.

Also See: Diwali Mantra Collection for 5 Days Puja

Why is it Known as Bhratri Dwitiya?

Yama Dwitiya is a celebration that commemorates the unconditional love and bond between a brother and sister. This is why, this festival is also known as Bhratri Dwitiya. In Southern India, this day is celebrated as Yama Dvitiya while in Northern India, this festival is known as Bhai Dooj.

As the legend has it, when Lord Yama paid a visit to his sister Yamuna or Yami, she welcomed him with garlands and aarti. She put vermillion or tilak on his forehead and prayed for his happiness and offered him sweets which was followed by a grand feast. Yamraj was very pleased with such a welcome and to give a unique gift to his sister, the Lord Of Death professed that the brothers who will visit their sisters on this day and are welcomed with Aarti, Tilak and meals prepared by their sister will be protected from all evil forces and will be blessed with a long life. From that day onwards, this day was celebrated with great vigor and love among brothers and sisters across India as Yama Dwitiya, Bhai Tika or Bhau Beej.

It is believed that sisters who will invite their brothers home for a sumptuous meal which will comprise of all her brother's favorite dishes will be bestowed with happiness. While the brothers who would go to their sister's home on this day will be blessed with a long and healthy life.

As the legend has it, Goddess Yamuna, sister of Lord Yama welcomed him at her home and fed him with his favorite dishes. This festival also celebrates the bond between a brother and a sister, this is why it is popularly known as Bhratri Dwitiya or Bhai Dooj. Every brother who visits his sister on this day and eats at her home is believed to be blessed with a long life.