Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhai Tika, Bhaubeej, Bhai Phonta, or Bhratri Dwitiya, is a festival that cherishes the unique bond between siblings. Celebrated on the second lunar day of Kartika's Shukla Paksha, this year's festivities will take place on Tuesday, November 14, and Wednesday, November 15. Falling after the five-day Diwali celebrations, Bhai Dooj is a special day when sisters adorn their brothers' foreheads with a tikka, praying for their well-being.
Bhai Dooj 2023 Shubh Muhurat
This year, Bhai Dooj spans across two days, with celebrations on both Tuesday, November 14, and Wednesday, November 15. The auspicious Muhurat, as per the Drik Panchang, extends from November 14 to November 15, offering siblings ample time to partake in the customs and rituals of Bhai Dooj. Explore the propitious timings for applying tilak on both days:
- Bhai Dooj Aparahna Time: 01:21 PM to 03:33 PM
- Duration: 02 Hours 12 Mins
- Shubh Muhurat on November 14: Dwitiya Tithi begins at 02:36 PM
- Shubh Muhurat on November 15: Dwitiya Tithi ends at 01:47 PM
Bhai Dooj Puja Vidhi
On this festive day, sisters extend invitations to their brothers for a delightful feast, often featuring their favorite dishes and sweets. While customs may vary, the ceremony symbolizes a brother's commitment to protecting his sister and the sister's blessings for her brother. In the traditional ritual, sisters perform aarti for their brothers and apply a red tikka on their foreheads. As a token of appreciation for a long and joyful life, sisters offer gifts to their brothers on Bhai Bij. In return, elder brothers bless their sisters and may present them with gifts or money.
In regions where women don't have brothers, the tradition involves worshiping the Moon, known as Chandra, as seen in Maharashtra and Haryana during Bhau-beej. Mehendi is often given to girls, and those with brothers far away express their wishes through an aarti to the moon, affectionately called Chandamama by Hindu children.
Bhai Dooj Vrat Katha
According to the Skandapuran story, Surya and Sangya had two children, Yamraj and Yamuna. Yama, responsible for punishing sinners, visited his sister Yamuna in Goloka. Another tale relates Lord Krishna's celebration of Bhai Dooj after defeating the demon Narakasura. By honoring a brother with a tilak, akin to Subhadra's gesture, it is believed that the love between siblings strengthens. On this day, bathing together in the Yamuna is a customary practice, and seeking forgiveness for sins is thought to be granted by Yamraj.
