Once upon a time, in the radiant world of the heavens, there lived a mighty god named Surya, the Sun God. Surya had a loving wife named Sangya, and together they had two wonderful children, a son named Yamraj and a daughter named Yamuna.
Yamuna and Yamraj shared a bond that was stronger than the mightiest mountains. They were not just brother and sister; they were the best of friends. Yamuna adored her big brother, and her heart always yearned to have him by her side. She would often invite Yamraj to visit her in her heavenly abode, a place filled with love and laughter. Their bond grew even stronger with each passing day, a testament to the enduring love between siblings that transcended realms and responsibilities. But, as the ruler of the afterlife, Yamraj had a very busy schedule, and he often found himself unable to accept her invitations.
One beautiful day, something magical happened. It was Kartik Shukla Dwitiya, a special day in the Hindu calendar. To everyone's surprise, Yamraj, the Lord of Death, decided to take a break from his busy duties and visit his beloved sister, Yamuna.
As he made his way to Yamuna's heavenly home, he performed an act that astonished even the gods. Yamraj opened the doors of hell, releasing the souls trapped there. It was a gesture of kindness and compassion, for even the Lord of Death had a heart filled with love.
Yamuna, overjoyed by her brother's arrival, welcomed him with immense respect and love. She honored him in the most gracious way, with devotion and warmth. The heavenly kitchen came alive with a variety of delectable dishes, prepared with love.
Together, they sat down to enjoy the feast. Yamuna lovingly served her brother, applying a sacred tilak on his forehead, a symbol of her affection and respect. She couldn't have been happier.
As the day drew to a close, and it was time for Yamraj to return to his duties, he turned to Yamuna and said, "My dear sister, you have shown me such love and hospitality today. I am deeply moved. Ask of me any boon, and it shall be granted."
Yamuna thought for a moment and then spoke with a loving smile, "Brother, if you truly wish to grant me a boon, then promise me this. Promise that you will visit me every year on this special day, Kartik Shukla Dwitiya. And, let it be known that any brother who visits his sister's home on this day, and any sister who adorns her brother's forehead with a tilak and serves him food, shall not fear your presence."
Yamraj, touched by his sister's request, readily agreed. But he had one more gift to bestow. He said, "And, as a symbol of my blessings, I grant you this: if brothers and sisters take a dip in the holy waters of the Yamuna River on this auspicious day, my wrath shall never be upon them."
From that day forward, the bond between brothers and sisters grew even stronger. They celebrated the day with love and affection, understanding that the divine blessing of Yamraj and the sacred waters of Yamuna would forever protect their relationship.
And so, the tradition of Bhai Dooj, a day that celebrates the unbreakable bond between siblings, was born. It became a day of love, respect, and the promise that no matter how far apart they may be, the love between a brother and sister would always endure, just like the eternal love of Yamuna and Yamraj.
