The festival of Bhai Dooj symbolises the strong bonding between a brother and sister. As per the Hindu calendar, the festival is generally celebrated two days after Diwali. On this day a sister applies a tilak on the forehead of her brother seeking his long life and well-being. In return, the brother gives a gift to the sister as a symbol of love and affection.
Scheduled to be celebrated on November 14 and extend its warmth through November 15, this festival carries a legacy of familial love and bond across the nation. This special day happens on the second day after Diwali, which is the fifth day of the Hindu month Kartika.
Bhai Dooj is celebrated on Dwitiya Tithi or the second day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik, as per the Hindu calendar. This year, Bhai Dooj will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 14.
The day is also known as Bhau Beej, Bhai Dwitiya, Bhatru Dwitiya and Yama Dwitiya in many states.
Bhai Dooj 2023 Date and Shubh Muhurat
As per the Drik Panchang, the Dwitiya Tithi will begin at 2:36 pm on November 14 and end at 1:47 pm on November 15. The shubh muhurat or the auspicious timing for performing Tilak Rituals by sisters will prevail from 1:10 pm M to 3:19 pm on Tuesday.
Significance of Bhai Dooj
The very essence of Bhai Dooj lies in its nomenclature, which is derived from two words— ‘Bhai’ means ‘brother’ and ‘Dooj’ means the second day after the new moon. Beyond a mere observance, Bhai Dooj encapsulates a day of a sister’s prayer for a brother, a joyous exchange of gifts and the cherished bond between a sister and a brother. This day holds spiritual and religious significance in different states as per regional traditions.
In West Bengal, it is observed as Bhai Phonta while in southern states it is celebrated as Yama Dwitiya. Maharashtra celebrates the day as Bhau Beej.
According to Hindu mythology, the festival of Bhai Dooj is associated with Lord Krishna. After slaying the demon Narakasura, Krishna visited his sister Subhadra, who welcomed him with sweets and flowers, adorning his forehead with a tilak. This gesture has since become a symbol of Bhai Dooj celebrations highlighting a sister’s love for her brother.
The festive day is also related to the legend of Lord Yama, the Hindu god of death, meeting his sister Yamuna. The heartfelt welcome and tilak ceremony extended by Yamuna inspired Yama to decree that whoever receives a tilak and sweets from their sister on this day shall be bestowed with a long life.
Bhai Dooj 2023: Rituals and celebration
The Bhai Dooj festival is observed in a traditional manner throughout the country. On this day, sisters perform the tika or tilak ritual praying for the long life of their brothers. The tilak is made using vermilion, sandalwood paste, and rice. The tialk is then applied to the forehead of the brother by the sister. The sisters also perform aarti seeking blessings for their brothers. Traditional dishes and sweets are also prepared by sisters at home for their brothers.
On the other hand, brothers, in a gesture of affection and appreciation, present gifts to their sisters.
(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)
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