"The bond between a brother and sister is one of love, care, and protection."
Bhai Dooj, also known by many names like Bhai Tika, Bhaubeej, Bhai Beej, Bhai Phonta, or Bhratri Dwitiya, is a significant festival for Hindus. It is celebrated on the second lunar day of Shukla Paksha, the bright fortnight of Kartika, which is the eighth month of the Vikram Samvat Hindu calendar or the Shalivahana Shaka calendar. This festival is observed during the grand celebrations of Diwali or Tihar, and in some regions, even during the Holi festival.
The essence of Bhai Dooj is similar to Raksha Bandhan, as it strengthens the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters pray for their brothers’ long lives and happiness, while brothers promise to protect and care for their sisters. The celebration is widespread, with different regions adding their unique customs. In southern India, Bhai Dooj is called Yama Dwitiya. In Bengal, it's celebrated as Bhai Phonta. Interestingly, the Kayastha community celebrates two Bhai Doojs—one on the second day after Diwali, and a lesser-known one a day or two after.
In Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, a special tradition includes using a dry coconut, called gola, tied with kalewa, during the aarti performed for brothers. This symbolic ritual is just one of the many ways siblings celebrate their bond on this joyous day. The festival's rich cultural significance has been passed down through generations, making it a time of joy, love, and family unity.
Timings and Date of Bhai Dooj 2024
In 2024, Bhai Dooj will be celebrated on Sunday, 3rd November 2024. According to hindu calender, the Dwitiya Tithi of Krishna Paksha of Kartik month will start on November 02, 2024 at 08:21 pm and this will will end on November 03, 2024. Based on the Panchang, so this year the festival of Bhai Dooj will be celebrated on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Timings would be afternoon from 01:10 pm to 03:22 pm on 3rd November
History of Bhai Dooj
Like any other festival, there are a couple of legends associated with Bhai Dooj as well. According to one such legend, Lord Krishna, after killing the demon king Narakasura, visited his sister, Goddess Subhadra's house, where she welcomed him with much love. For his warm welcome, she prepared special sweets and greeted him with flowers. She also applied tilak on his forehead to symbolise victory in the battle against evil. Since then, the festival of Bhai Dooj has come into being.
The second legend is that the God of Death, Yama visited his sister Yami on the second day of the new moon. The happy sister then fed him delicious food and sweets. This moved Yama; in return, he gave her a precious gift, expressing his love for her.
Apart from that, he also announced that if a sister performs the rituals of aarti and tilak on their brother, they will have to fear death no more. This came to be known as the festival of Yamadwitheya all across the ancient land, which is now observed as Bhai Dooj.
Another legend has been stated in Jainism according to which, when Mahavir, the founder of the religion, attained Nirvana and was cut off from his family, at that time, his brother Nandivardhan was in great grief and was quite disturbed by his decision. During this time, his sister Sudarshana came to his rescue and helped him recover and get back to normal life. This is one of the reasons why Bhai Dooj is also celebrated in Jainism.
Read More In Details - Bhai Dooj Myths and Significance
Bhai Dooj Rituals and Traditions
The importance of Bhai Dooj lies in the deep bond it strengthens between brothers and sisters. Much like Raksha Bandhan, this festival is a symbol of love, protection, and care. To begin with the Bhai Dooj celebrations, sisters prepare with traditional samagri, including diyas, roli chawal for tilak, Moli, Betel nut, pooja thali, fruits, and sweets.
These items are essential for performing the rituals, where sisters pray for their brothers’ long life and happiness. In return, brothers vow to protect and support their sisters, making the importance of Bhai Dooj even more meaningful in fostering family ties.
1. Get Together
On this day, the sisters invite their brothers to their homes to perform the ritual ceremony. All the relatives are invited to fully commence the celebrations between all the brothers and sisters.
2. Adorns the Pooja Thal
All the sisters get up early and get dressed in new or colourful clothes. Following this, they adorn the pooja thali with roli, rice, fruits, sweets and diya. This thal is used while doing the pooja ceremony.
3. Floor Decoration
The sisters make a square figure on the floor for their brothers to sit on during the pooja. Then, the sister consumes Karith, a bitter fruit.
4. Shubh Muhurat
Shubh Muhurat is that time of the time that is believed to be the most blessed and perfect to begin with the rituals.
5. Tika Ritual
They place a tika on their brother's forehead, which consists of vermillion, dahi, and rice. It is thought that applying tilak to a brother's forehead assures that he never experiences troubles and that he is shielded from all types of falsehoods and obstacles in life.
6. The Puja Vidhi
Then, the sisters worship the hands of their brother by applying a paste of rice and sindoor.
After this, they place flowers of kaddu, beetle nut, and beetle leaves in the palm of their brothers while chanting mantras and pouring water on their palms. They then tie a kalawa for the well-being of their brother. A lamp is also lit, which is put facing the south direction.
7. The Exchange of Gifts
In return, the brothers shower their sisters with gifts, showcasing their affection for them. If a girl doesn't have a brother, they celebrate this occasion by offering their prayers and worshipping the Hindu God, Moon. They receive blessings from their elders as they put the day to rest.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bhai Dooj 2024
Q1: What is Bhai Dooj?
A1: Bhai Dooj is a Hindu festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters pray for their brothers’ long life and happiness, while brothers promise to protect and care for their sisters.
Q2: When will Bhai Dooj be celebrated in 2024?
A2: Bhai Dooj will be celebrated on Sunday, 3rd November 2024.
Q3: What are the different names for Bhai Dooj in other regions?
A3: Bhai Dooj is known by various names in different regions, such as Bhai Tika in Nepal, Bhaubeej in Maharashtra, Bhai Beej, Bhai Phonta in Bengal, and Yama Dwitiya in southern India.
Q4: How is Bhai Dooj different from Raksha Bandhan?
A4: While both festivals celebrate the bond between brothers and sisters, Bhai Dooj is observed after Diwali and focuses on sisters performing aarti and praying for their brothers, whereas Raksha Bandhan involves tying a rakhi and exchanging gifts.
Q5: Why is Bhai Dooj celebrated after Diwali?
A5: Bhai Dooj is celebrated on the second day after Diwali, marking the end of the Diwali festivities. It is observed on the second lunar day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartika.
Q6: How is Bhai Dooj celebrated in different regions of India?
A6: In Bengal, it is celebrated as Bhai Phonta, with a focus on blessings and rituals. In Maharashtra, it is called Bhaubeej, while in southern India, it is observed as Yama Dwitiya. Different regions have unique customs, but the essence of the festival remains the same.
Q7: What rituals are followed during Bhai Dooj?
A7: Sisters perform aarti for their brothers, apply a ceremonial tika (mark) on their foreheads, and pray for their well-being. In return, brothers give gifts and promise to protect their sisters.
Q8: What is the significance of the dry coconut (gola) in Bhai Dooj?
A8: In some regions like Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, a dry coconut, known as gola, is tied with klewa and used during the aarti. It symbolizes protection and the bond between siblings.
Q9: Can Bhai Dooj be celebrated if a sister and brother live far apart?
A9: Yes, even if siblings are far apart, they can connect virtually or through phone calls. Some sisters send tikas by post, and brothers send gifts in return, ensuring the tradition continues.
Q10: What is the story behind Bhai Dooj?
A10: Bhai Dooj is linked to the legend of Yama, the god of death, and his sister Yamuna. It is believed that Yamuna invited Yama to her home, where she prayed for his well-being. Touched by her love, Yama blessed all sisters who prayed for their brothers on this day.
