The Legend Of Yamaraj and Yamuna

Most popular legend of Bhai Dooj narrates the story related to Yamaraj - the Hindu mythological God of Death and sister Yamuna. It is said that once on the auspicious day of BhaiDooj Yamaraj visited his twin sister after a long period of time. Yamuna treated his brother very affectionately. She applied tilak on her brother's forehead and treated him with a sumptuous meal. Lord Yama was so pleased that he declared that who so ever is greeted with tilak and a meal on the Bhai Duj day will never be hurled to hell.


The Legend Of Lord Vishnu

When Lord Vamandev was pleased with Bali maharaj and appeared in Vishnu-rupa, Bali asked a boon that Lord Vishnu would be on every door at Patalaloka. Lord Vishnu agrees and goes to become a Dwarpalaka of Bali. When this news was reached to Goddess Lakshmi by Narad, she was in great distressed. In order to make her husband return back to his original place, Laxmi plays trick on Bali.

She goes to Bali as a poor woman seeking help. She says to Bali that she doesn't have a brother and would dearly like one. When Bali accepted that he will now onwards be her brother and told her to ask anything that she needs. Bali asked Laxmi what he can give her, Laxmi replied that you have my everything in your service - please release Lord Vishnu. Thus, Lord Vishnu was released from the service of Bali.


The Legend Of Lord Krishna

Another popular legend related to the festival says that after slaying the demon Narakasur Lord Krishna visited his sister Subhadra who received him very warmly. Subhadra applied tilak on Krishna's forehead and showered flowers on him. Since then the custom of applying tilak became extremely popular.