Bhaiya Dooj

A ceremonial earthen pot in the plate
Is symbolic to puja made by my sister
On the occasion of the Bhaiya Dooj
As part of the Dipawali celebrations.

The puja falls on the second lunar day
Of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight)
Of Kartika, the auspicious eight month
Of the Vikram Samvat Hindu Calendar.

Celebrated in the various parts* of Bharat
This holy ceremony essentially signifies:
Sister praying for well-being of her bother
Who in turn vows for her safety and care.

But to me, for the last several occasions
It’s joyous event with a painful reminder…
Of two familiar earthen pots, left just one
Reminds me of younger sibling’s sad loss.

* The occasion is celebrated in various regions in different names: Bhai Dooj or Bhaiya Dooj in Northern India, Bhardutiya or Bhai Teeka in Bihar & Nepal, Bhai Phonta in Bengal, Bhai Jiuntia in Odisha, Bhau Beej, Bhav Bij or Bhai Beej in Maharashtra & Gujarat, Bhatru Dviteeya or Bhatri Ditya in Andhra Pradesh & Telangana, Yama Dwitheya in Tamil Nadu, etc.

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Dr. Jaipal Singh

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