Bhai Dooj is a Hindu festival celebrated in India. This is a festival of the Hindu religion celebrated on the 2nd day of Shukla paksha of Kartik month. This is also called Yama Dwitiya. On this day, rituals and celebrations are similar to the popular celebrations- Raksha Bandhan. The festival is celebrated after two days of Diwali.
Puja Timings and Shubh Muhurat of Bhai Dooj
This festival is based on a brother-sister relationship. This is celebrated with mutual love and great reverence. This festival is called Bhai Phonta. This is also known as the Tilak ceremony. Once it’s over, they pray for their brother’s long and happy life.
The Bhai Dooj festival is celebrated on 03rd November 2024. It’s celebrated on Sunday. The auspicious timing for the celebration is 1:10 PM on 03rd November 2024. And, it remains till 03:22 pm on 03rd November 2024. Brothers give many gifts to their sisters. And, in return, the sisters offer sweets to their brothers. Sisters invite their brothers for meals including their favorite dishes/sweets.
About Bhai dooj festival
This festival signifies the bond between a brother and sister. The bond stands out from the first on a special day. This connection is known as Bhai Teeka. This festival is mostly celebrated in the month of Kartik. The god of death yamraj answers their sister’s call as he is invited for a lunch as per traditional beliefs.
As per Indian tradition, the festival is not celebrated without proper traditions and customs. This gives out the vibes about the festival.
- Before the Tilak ceremony started, they are under a chalk square with rice.
- The brother is seated in this square as he waits for the right timing when the sister is applying Tilak.
- Post-Tilak gifts are nuts, fruits, sugar, and black grams to brother. All this is happened before starting the aarti.
- Once the aarti and tilak are done, the brother gives a gift and vows to protect her whole life.
Every Hindu festival has a very sensitive background story. This story speaks about the focuses and importance of siblings’ bond.
“The Tale of Krishna and Subhadra”One such tale is about Lord Krishna. When he returns home after killing Narkasur, his sister Subhadra welcomes him with fruits, flowers, and sweets. She also lit up some diyas. This, she offers him a great welcome. Afterward, she applied Tilak on his forehead and prays for him living for thousand years. This is how it becomes a custom to apply tilak on the forehead of a brother. In return, the brother presents his sister with alluring gifts.
Bhai Dooj vrat Katha is- Chhaya is the wife of Lord Suryadev has two children, Yamraj and Yamuna. The Yamuna loved her brother a lot. So, she requested him to come to their house for food. But yamraj used to refuse the proposal due to his busy work. In the end, Yamraj went to his sister’s home for having food. This symbolizes their love for each other.
FAQ
- What does “Bhai Dooj” mean, and why is it celebrated?
- “Bhai Dooj” translates to “brother’s second day.” It is a festival celebrated to strengthen the bond between brothers and sisters. It falls on the second day after Diwali and is also known as “Bhau Beej” in some regions.
- Are there any specific rituals associated with Bhai Dooj?
- Yes, there are several rituals associated with Bhai Dooj. Sisters perform aarti for their brothers, apply a tilak on their foreheads, and offer them sweets. Brothers, in return, give gifts to their sisters as a token of love.
- Why is Bhai Dooj considered significant in Hindu mythology?
- According to Hindu mythology, on Bhai Dooj, Lord Yama, the god of death, visited his sister Yamuna. She welcomed him with an aarti, applied tilak, and offered him sweets. In return, Yama gave her a boon that whoever receives a tilak from their sister on this day would be blessed with a long life.
- Are there any regional variations in how Bhai Dooj is celebrated?
- Yes, the customs and traditions of Bhai Dooj may vary across regions. In some places, brothers and sisters may exchange coconut and betel leaves, while in others, special dishes may be prepared for the occasion.
- Can Bhai Dooj be celebrated between cousins or close friends?
- While the festival is traditionally meant for brothers and sisters, it is not uncommon for cousins or close friends to celebrate Bhai Dooj as a gesture of love and camaraderie.
- Is Bhai Dooj exclusively a Hindu festival?
- While Bhai Dooj is rooted in Hindu traditions, people from various communities in India, including Sikhs and Jains, also celebrate similar festivals around the same time with the theme of strengthening sibling bonds.
- How do people express creativity during Bhai Dooj celebrations?
- Some people get creative during Bhai Dooj by making handmade gifts, personalized cards, or crafting unique tilak designs. This adds a personal touch to the celebrations.
- Are there any traditional stories or legends associated with Bhai Dooj?
- Alongside the story of Lord Yama and Yamuna, there are various regional legends and folk stories associated with Bhai Dooj, each highlighting the importance of the bond between brothers and sisters.
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