Bhai Dooj is one of the special days which is celebrated just after Diwali to celebrate the special bond between a brother and sister. It was recognized as Bhai Phota, Bhau Beej, and Bhai Tika. This year, It will be celebrated on November 3, 2024. On this day, sisters invite their brothers as well as apply tilak on the foreheads of their brothers and pray for their property and longevity. In return, the brothers give their sisters gifts to showcase their love. Each part of India has its way of celebrating. In this article, we’ve covered everything about Bhai Dooj, including date, muhurta, its significance, and cultural traditions. So, let’s dive in.

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Bhai Dooj 2024 Date and Tilak Muhurat

• Bhai Dooj Date – November 3, 2024, Sunday
• Aparahna Time – 01:32 PM to 03:29 PM (01 Hour 57 Mins)
• Yama Dwitiya on Sunday, November 3, 2024
• Dwitiya Tithi Begins – 03:51 PM on Nov 02, 2024
• Dwitiya Tithi Ends – 05:35 PM on Nov 03, 2024

What is Bhai Dooj?

Bhai Dooj is a Hindu festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. It’s a day when sisters pray for their brother’s long life, and brothers give gifts to show their love in return. Different regions in India refer to this festival by various names, such as Bhau-Beej or Bhai Phota. So, this festival is all about love, protection, and gratitude between siblings.

History and Significance

The significance of Bhai Dooj lies in celebrating the love bond between brothers and sisters. As per legend, on this day, Yamraj (the god of death) visited his sister Yamuna. She welcomed him warmly and applied a tilak on his forehead, praying for his safety as well as well-being. Touched by her affection, Ymraj blesses her, saying that any sister who performs these rituals for her brother on Bhai Dooj would bless him and give him a long as well as prosperous life. Because of this story, families celebrate Bhai Dooj as a day when sisters pray for their brothers’ happiness and long life, while brothers pledge to protect and support their sisters.

Another story relates to Lord Krishna and his sister Subhadra. After Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura, he visited Subhadram, who greeted him warmly with an aarti, applied a tilak on his forehead, as well as offered him sweets. In return, Krishna blessed her, promising to always protect her. So, this moment is said to be the beginning of Bhai Dooj.

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Bhai Dooj Samagri

For performing the Bhai Dooj puja, here are the essential damage:

• A pooja Thali
• Earthen oil lamp (diya)
• Roli-chawal for Tilak
• Fruits
• Fresh flowers
• Betel Nut
• Moli

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Bhai Dooj Festival Puja Vidhi (Ritual Steps)

The Bhai Dooj puja is simple and similar to Raksha Bandhan. So, here’s the step-by-step guide to performing the ceremony:

1. Wake Up early and wear the fresh clothes
2. Offer prayers to the Gods for protection as well as blessings.
3. During the right time of day, apply a tilak of Roli and rice grains on your brother’s forehead.
4. Light a diya facing south for protection.
5. Tie a sacred thread on your brother’s right wrist.
6. In some regions, place pumpkin flowers, betel nuts, as well as leaves in your brother’s hand.
7. Add a few coins to your brother’s hand as a blessing.
8. Offer your brother his favorite sweets.
9. Brothers give gifts in return, showing their love.
10. Complete the ritual with an aarti, asking for your brother’s promise of protection.

Bhai Dooj Pooja Vidhi in the Different States

In India, different states celebrate Bhai Dooj in unique ways, reflecting the country’s cultural diversity. So, let’s explore some popular ones:

• Bhai Phota in West Bengal: Sisters fast before performing the tilak ritual on their brothers. After applying the tilak, they serve a special lunch to their brothers as part of the celebration.

• Bhau Beej in Maharashtra: It is known as “Bhau Beej” in Marathi, where the celebration happens when sisters apply a tilak on their brother’s forehead and pray for his health as well as longevity in exchange for sweets and gifts.

• Bhai Dooj in Uttar Pradesh: Sisters in Uttar Pradesh offer crystalized sugar and water after applying tilak on their brother’s foreheads. It is also traditional to offer dried concoct as well as water as blessings.

• Bhai Tihar in Nepal: In Nepal, the festival is called “Bhai Tihar,” where sisters apply a unique seven-colored tilak on their brother’s forehead as well as pray for their long lives.

Conclusion

Bhai Dooj will be celebrated on November 3, 2024, and it is a beautiful festival that cherishes the bond between brothers and sisters. The rituals are heartfelt and joyful.