Chitragupta Puja & Bhai Dooj – Honoring the Divine Record Keeper and the Sacred Bond of Siblings 🌸
📸 Text & Photos by – Ashok Karan
Today marks the auspicious celebration of Chitragupta Puja and Bhai Dooj, two spiritually significant occasions that follow the festival of Diwali.
As per Hindu belief, Lord Chitragupta, born on the second day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the Kartik month from the body of Lord Brahma, serves as the divine record keeper and assistant to Lord Yama, the God of Death. He maintains the accounts of every living being’s deeds—good or bad—and dispenses justice accordingly.
🌿 Significance of Chitragupta Puja
Chitragupta Puja, also known as Kalam-Dawat Puja or Masayadhara Puja, is primarily observed by the Kayastha community, who regard Lord Chitragupta as their revered family deity. On this day, devotees worship their pens, inkpots, and account books—symbols of knowledge, intellect, and justice.
The festival emphasizes:
- Seeking forgiveness for past misdeeds.
- Praying for wisdom, righteousness, and prosperity.
- Beginning new ventures under divine blessings.
Homes are cleaned and adorned for the occasion. Devotees offer prayers, flowers, sweets, and new writing tools to Lord Chitragupta. It is believed that performing this puja absolves one of sins and safeguards against suffering in the afterlife.
🌼 Bhai Dooj – The Festival of Sibling Love
The day also coincides with Bhai Dooj (Yam Dwitiya), symbolizing the sacred bond between brothers and sisters. According to legend, Lord Yama visited his sister Yamuna on this day and promised that any brother sharing a meal with his sister would be blessed with longevity and protection from untimely death.
🎬 Lord Chitragupta in Indian Cinema
The divine figure of Lord Chitragupta has often been portrayed in Indian films—from Rajendra Kumar’s dual role in “Jhuk Gaya Aasman” (1968) to Ajay Devgn’s modern interpretation in “Thank God” (2022), showcasing both the moral and humorous aspects of his character.
🪔 Celebration in Ranchi
In Ranchi, the Kayastha community observed the puja with deep devotion and joy at various venues including Bihar Club, IMA Hall, and Ashok Nagar. The rituals began in the morning around 11 AM and continued till noon, followed by Maha Aarti and a community dinner in the evening.
In Ashok Nagar, devotees performed the puja with great enthusiasm, highlighting unity and reverence within the community.
🙏 I extend my heartfelt wishes to all members of the Kayastha community on this sacred occasion of Chitragupta Puja. May Lord Chitragupta bless everyone with wisdom, righteousness, and prosperity.
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