Bhai Dooj is celebrated on the second day, after Diwali celebrations. It is also known as Bhai Phota, Bhau Beej, Bhai Beej, Bhav Bij, Bhatri Ditya, Bhai Fota, and Bhai Tika. This day recognizes the sacred bond shared between brothers and sisters.
On this auspicious day, sisters apply tilak on the foreheads of their brothers and pray for their prosperity and longevity. As per the Vikram Samvat calendar, Bhai Dooj (Bhai Duj) 2023 is observed on the second lunar day of Shukla Paksha. It is celebrated on 14th and 15th of November 2023 (it varies from place to place).
In this blog, you can learn more about Bhai Dooj’s Date, History and significance, celebrations, places to observe, and many more. Let’s dive into these one by one.
Bhai Dooj: Meaning
Bhai Phota or Bhai Dooj derives its literal meaning from the words Bhai and Dooj. ‘Bhai’ means brother, and ‘Dooj’ is the second day after the new moon emerges.
Bhai Dooj: History and Significance:
History:
There are several stories related to this festival. Some of them being:
- It is believed that, after killing Narakasura (demon), Lord Krishna visited his sister Subhadra who welcomed him by applying a tilak on his forehead.
- Another story is related to Yamaraja (God of death) visiting his sister Yamuna’s on Bhai Dooj. She warmly welcomed him with flowers and sweets and applied tilak. In return, Yamaraja presented her with a gift that showed affection for her.
Significance:
Bhai Dooj is one of the most auspicious days for brothers and sisters. On this festival, brothers and sisters show their love and affection towards each other. Sisters apply tilak on their brother’s forehead. This symbolizes the sister’s prayers for her brother’s well-being and long life while the brothers give some gifts to their sisters as a token of love and affection.
Now, the following heading will give details regarding the muhurat of bhai dooj.
Muhurat of Bhai Dooj:
Bhai Dooj 2023: Date and Time:
Dwitiya Tithi Begins – November 14, 2023 – 02:36 PM
Dwitiya Tithi Ends – November 15, 2023 – 01:47 PM
Bhai Dooj Aparahna Time – November 15, 2023 – 12:38 PM to 02:53 PM
Shubh Muhurat for Tilak:
Shubh Choghadiya – November 15, 2023 – 10:44 AM to 12:05 PM
Chal Choghadiya – November 15, 2023 – 02:46 PM to 04:07 PM
Laabh Choghadiya – November 15, 2023 – 04:07 PM to 05:27 PM
How to celebrate Bhai Dooj or Rituals of Bhai Dooj?
The festival of Bhai Dooj is traditionally observed across the country.
- On the occasion of Bhai dooj, sisters make a seat for their brothers using rice flour.
- After that, a paste of vermillion, dahi, and rice is applied on the forehead of the brothers as a religious tika.
- Then, the sister places a flower of Kaddu, betel leaves, betel nuts, and coins in the palms of the brother and pours water on it while chanting mantras.
- Once this is done, Kalawa (Holy Red thread) is tied on the wrist of the brother, and then aarti is performed. The next ritual is to exchange gifts among each other and take the blessings of the elders.
Celebration of Bhai Dooj:
In India, Bhai Dooj is celebrated, diversely across different states in India. Let’s know more in detail.
- Maharashtra – This festival is known as ‘Bhav Bij’. As part of the sibling celebration, brothers are made to sit on the floor whereas sisters draw a square and consume a bitter fruit known as Karith. Thereafter, sisters apply tilak on the forehead of their brothers to perform the aarti.
- West Bengal – This festival is known as ‘Bhai Phonta’. The festival includes several rituals. On the day, sisters fast until the ceremony is completed, apply a tilak on the forehead of her brothers that is made of sandalwood, kajal, and ghee before offering prayers for their well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Which God is worshiped during Bhai Dooj?
Ans: Yamraj is worshipped along with Yama-Doots and Chitragupta who were the followers of Lord Yamraj.
- What is Bhai Dooj, and what is the difference between Bhai Dooj and Raksha Bandhan?
Ans: Bhai Dooj is observed on the second lunar day of Shukla Paksha, which corresponds to the Hindu calendar month of Kartik. Raksha Bandhan, on the other hand, is celebrated on Purnima, or the full moon day of the Hindu calendar’s fifth lunar month in Shravana.
- Who was the sister of Yamaraja?
Ans: Yamuna or Yami.
