Suryadev's wife, Sanjana, had two children: Yama and Yamuna. One day, Yamuna cordially invited her brother Yama to her house for a meal. She also requested him to bring his friends. However, ever-busy with work, Yamaraj would repeatedly postpone the invitation, assuring his sister that he would come someday.
One day, Yamuna said firmly, 'Bhaiyya, now you have to come. I am not giving you a choice.' Relenting at his sister's insistence, Yama promised to visit her on the second day of the bright fortnight of Kartik month.
On the appointed day, Yamadev arrived at Yamuna's home with his friends and attendants. Moreover, he set aside his Yama Paash (the noose of death used to take away souls) so that no being would die that day.
Yamuna welcomed her brother with affection. She had prepared many delicious dishes and sweets, serving them on golden plates and feeding Yama and his group with great joy. After the meal, Yama Deva gifted beautiful clothes and ornaments to his beloved sister.
Then he affectionately said, "Dear sister, ask for whatever boon you desire."
Yamuna replied, "Brother, my only wish is that you visit me every year on this very day. And, whoever eats food prepared by their sister on this day, may you always free them from your noose and bless them with happiness and prosperity."
Yamadev smiled and said, "O daughter of the Sun! Those who bathe and make offerings (tarpan) in your waters (a reference to the Yamuna River), visit their sisters' home, and honour them on this day, will not see the gates of my abode, the land of death."
Since that day, Bhai Dooj has been celebrated as a symbol of the love between brothers and sisters. Traditionally, on the Kartik Shukla Dwitiya, brothers and sisters bathe together in the Yamuna. The brother visits the sister's house. She applies a ceremonial Tilak on his forehead and offers him sweets and meals prepared lovingly. Scriptures mention that performing these rituals brings prosperity and good fortune.
