Also known as Bhai Tika, Bhai Phonta, Bhau Beej and Bhratri Dwitiya, Bhai Dooj is an Indian Hindu festival that celebrates the special bond between brothers and sisters. While most people roughly know that Bhai Dooj is celebrated after Diwali, the exact date depends on when the second day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartik falls according to the Hindu calendar. On Bhai Dooj, which is specifically celebrated in the states of West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Odisha, Gujarat and Maharashtra among other regions, is a day when siblings renew their vows to love and protect each other.
This year, Bhai Dooj will be celebrated on November 14 and November 15, 2023—a date confusion which has arisen primarily because the Shukla Paksha tithi is divided over these two days according to the Gregorian calendar. On Bhai Dooj, sisters apply tika of sandalwood paste on their brother’s forehead and pray for their long life, wellness and prosperity. Brothers take blessings from their sisters, vow to protect them and also pray for their wellness. Exchanging gifts and sharing food are also parts of the Bhai Dooj ritual across India.
Looking forward to celebrating Bhai Dooj 2023? Here is everything you need to know about Bhai Dooj 2023 celebrations, timings, rituals and more.
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Bhai Dooj 2023 Timings And Puja Muhurat
Many people are confused about whether to celebrate Bhai Dooj 2023 on November 14 or November 15 this year, and this is because the second day of the Shukla Paksha of the month of Kartik is spread across both dates. According to the Drik Panchang, the precise Bhratra Dwitiya Tithi for 2023 starts at 2.36PM on November 14 and ends at 1.47PM on November 15. On the other hand, the Bhai Dooj Aparahma time for the duration from 1.10PM to 3.19PM on November 14, 2023.
So, Bhai Dooj 2023 can be easily and elaborately celebrated by brothers and sisters across November 14 and November 15, 2023 within the designated tithi for Bhratri Dwitiya. If you are still confused then all you need to know is that in 2023, you have an extended window of two days instead of one to celebrate Bhai Dooj 2023. This means that not only can you visit all your siblings this year but also spend more time celebrating the festival than ever before.
The Significance Of Bhai Dooj 2023
Just like Raksha Bhandhan, Bhai Dooj is a festival dedicated to the bond between brothers and sisters. But what many aren’t aware of is the fact that there are many legends around Bhratri Dwitiya as per the Hindu mythology. One legend says that Lord Yama, the god of death, once visited his sister Yamuna (yes, the river) on the Dwitiya of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartik. Yamuna applied sandalwood paste or tilak on Lord Yama and offered him a plate full of delicacies. Seeing this, Lord Yama declared that any sister who applies tika and feeds her brother on this specific date will earn the boon of longevity and prosperity.
Thus, even today, Bhai Dooj is celebrated in large parts of the nation in accordance with this legend of Lord Yama and his sister Yamuna. This is also the reason why Bhai Dooj is also referred to as Yama Dwitiya in certain parts of the country. According to another legend from Hindu mythology, it was on Bhratri Dwitiya that Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasur and visited his sister, Subhadra, to celebrate. She welcomed him with a tika on the forehead and a feast of Lord Krishna’s favourite dishes, and thus the festival of Bhai Dooj was born. No matter which story you may believe in, the underlining feature of Bhai Dooj is to celebrate the bond between brothers and sisters.
Bhai Dooj 2023 Rituals & Practices
Going by the legends behind Bhai Dooj celebrations as per Hindu mythology, there are a few key rituals that are followed by all on this day. Brothers are supposed to visit the homes of their sisters bearing gifts, while sisters are supposed to welcome him home, apply sandalwood tika on his forehead, bless him with a long life and offer him a platter of savoury and sweet dishes. Specific rituals for Bhai Dooj vary from region to region.
For example, in Bengal, it is tradition to narrate a mantra while applying the tika which roughly translates to: “By applying this tika on my brother’s forehead, I am stopping Lord Yama on his tracks to increase my brother’s longevity. Just like Yamuna did this by applying tika on Lord Yama, I am doing the same for my brother.” In other parts, puja or Yamuna and Lord Yama are also performed along with the lighting of four-wicked lamps. It is also tradition to cook the best possible dishes to offer up to brothers on Bhai Dooj, no matter where in the country or world you may be.