The final day of the five-day-long Diwali extravaganza is Bhai Dooj. Bhai Dooj, popularly known as Bhaiya Dooj, Bhai Tika, Bhai Dwitiya, Bhai Phonta, Bhathru Dwithiya, or Bhau-Beej, is a well-known and well-loved festival that celebrates the pure and beautiful bond between a sister and brother. On this pious occasion, the sisters pray for a long life for their brothers.
Let’s dive in.
Bhai Dooj 2024 Date And Time: Know Here!
A day for brothers and sisters, Bhai Dooj, like Raksha Bandhan, honors the bond that a sister and brother share. Bhai Dooj ends the Diwali festivities, which begin with Dhanteras.
The occasion of Bhai Dooj falls on the Dwitiya Tithi or the second day of the Shukla Paksha in the Kartika month, as per the Vikram Samvat. Typically, this festival falls after Diwali. As per the Gregorian calendar, it falls between October and November.
Here is the Bhai Dooj Muhurat for 2024 that you should know to celebrate the occasion correctly.
Bhai Dooj 2024 Date- 3rd November 2024 (Sunday)
Bhai Dooj Timing (Aparahna Time)- From 01:10 PM to 03:22 PM (IST)
Dwitiya Tithi (Starting Time)- 08:21 PM, 2nd November 2024 (Saturday)
Yama Dwitiya will also be celebrated on 3rd November 2024 (Sunday).
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Bhai Dooj Significance: Why Do We Celebrate The Bhai Dooj Festival?
Bhai Dooj signifies the magnificent bond between a brother and a sister. Typically, the sisters perform a Tika ceremony and pray for their brother’s longevity and a harmonious life. Brothers and sisters also celebrate the occasion by exchanging gifts.
Like Raksha Bandhan, the Bhai Dooj festival also highlights the brother-sister relationship. However, there is a difference. On Raksha Bandhan, the married sister visits the brother's house, whereas on Bhaiya Dooj, the brother visits his sister's home. The brother promises to protect his sister. However, on Bhaiya Dooj, the sister wholeheartedly prays to Lord Yama for her brother's long life. The sisters also pray for their brother’s healthy life.
On this occasion, brothers who live in distant places make their utmost efforts to spend time with their sisters; thus, this festival strengthens their bond of love. To mark this occasion, the sisters offer a token of love to their brother as a gift. This extraordinary festival provides an occasion for the sisters and brothers to shower their love on each other and reinforce their relationship.
Bhai Dooj Katha: What Is The Mythological Tale Behind It?
Bhai Dooj's significance can be traced back to Indian mythological tales, and our scriptures have various legends that can explain Bhai Dooj's origin. The most famous tale is that of Lord Yama and Yamuna, the children of Lord Sun. Lord Yamraj, the son of Lord Sun, had a sister, Yamuna, who wanted him to visit her. Yamuna loved her brother and requested him over and over again to visit her house and have a meal. But Lord Yamraj didn't visit her place.
Usually, no one invites Lord Yamraj to their house, as he is known to take lives. But when Yamuna invited him again with respect and love, Lord Yamraj thought it was his duty to visit his sister.
Seeing Lord Yamraj at her house, Yamuna welcomed her brother. She applied a Tilak on his forehead, prayed for his long life, and prepared different dishes. Impressed by his sister’s devotion, hospitality, and all the arrangements, Lord Yamraj offered a boon to her. Yamuna said that she didn't want anything from him. However, she extracted a promise from Lord Yamraj that he would visit her every year. She also said that any sister who welcomes her brother on this day performs the rituals, and serves food should never have to fear Lord Yamraj, the God of Death. Lord Yamraj granted her wish.
It is believed that the festival of Bhai Dooj started after this incident, and it is celebrated with fervor to this day. This is why Bhai Dooj is also known as ‘Yama Dwitiya’. Based on this tale, the sisters and brothers who celebrate this festival are believed to remain free from the fear of Lord Yamraj. People also believe that the brother-sister duo who take a dip in the holy Yamuna river on this day can lead a joyful life with fewer problems.
Another mythological Bhai Dooj Katha or tale that depicts the sibling bond is the one with Lord Krishna and his sister Subhadra. Legend states that Lord Krishna visited his sister Subhadra after killing Narakasura on Naraka Chaturdashi. She welcomed Lord Krishna with sweets, fruits, and flowers when he visited. Then, she lit up Diyas and greeted him by applying a Tilak on his forehead. So, it has become customary for sisters to invite their brothers to their homes. The brothers present gifts to their sisters in return.
People celebrate Bhai Dooj across India in various ways, depending on the region. The rituals and names can differ from region to region. However, one thing to remember is that it is celebrated splendidly everywhere. The purity of Bhai Dooj remains the same everywhere, and the brothers and sisters express their love for each other on this occasion.
Let us look at how people celebrate Bhai Dooj in different Indian states.
Maharashtra: Maharashtrians refer to Bhai Dooj as Bhau Beej. ‘Bhau’ means brother in Marathi. The sister welcomes her brother, puts a Kumkum Tilak on him, and performs the Puja at the appropriate Bhai Dooj Muhurat to pray for his long life and bright future.
West Bengal: In West Bengal, Bengalis refer to Bhai Dooj as Bhai Phota. The sister observes a fast on this day and waits for her brother to visit her. She welcomes him with love, applies a Tilak on his forehead, prays for his long life, and treats him to a sumptuous lunch. The brother offers gifts to the sister.
Bihar: Bihar celebrates Bhai Dooj uniquely, and people follow a custom that is followed nowhere else. The sister calls her brother, rebukes him, and also abuses him. Later, she apologizes to him and prays for her brother's long life. The tradition is done to absolve the brother of all his sins. After this practice, she applies a Tilak on his forehead and offers him sweets and food.
Not only in India, but the festival of Bhai Dooj is also celebrated in the neighboring country Nepal.
Nepal: In Nepal, Bhai Dooj is known as Bhai Tihar. The word ‘Tihar’ denotes Tilak. Sisters welcome their brothers and apply the Tilak on their foreheads. This Tilak is unique, as it is made up of seven colors. Finally, the sisters pray for their brother’s long and prosperous life.
Every Indian awaits the five days of festivities because it enables them to forget their worries and have a great time with their loved ones. The festival of Bhai Dooj holds special significance because it focuses on the pristine brother-sister bond; hence, this festival is celebrated enthusiastically.
Astroyogi wishes you a joyful Bhai Dooj!
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