Bhai Dooj, a significant Hindu festival, is celebrated on the second lunar day of Shukla Paksha in the Vikram Samvat Hindu calendar. Also known as Bhai Phonta, Bhai Tika, Bhau Beej, and Yamadvitiya, it will be celebrated on November 3, 2024, which falls on a Sunday.
When is Bhai Dooj 2024
This festival, celebrated during Diwali, embodies the bond between brothers and sisters, akin to Raksha Bandhan. Sisters invite their brothers for a grand meal and pray for their well-being, while brothers pledge to protect their sisters.
Bhai Dooj Date and Timings
Bhai Dooj, derived from the words ‘Bhai’ (brother) and ‘Dooj’ (the second day after the new moon), is celebrated on the second lunar day of Shukla Paksha in the Kartika month, shortly after the festive occasion of Diwali. In 2024, Bhai Dooj will be observed on November 3, which falls on a Sunday. The key rituals of the festival will take place during Aparahna time, from 1:17 PM to 3:38 PM. The auspicious Dwitiya Tithi for the festival begins on November 2 at 8:21 PM and concludes on November 3 at 10:05 PM.
Rituals and Traditions
The celebration of Bhai Dooj involves various rituals. Sisters prepare a seat for their brothers using rice flour. Once seated, they apply a mixture of vermillion, yogurt, and rice on their brothers’ foreheads as a religious tika.
Next, sisters place a flower, betel leaves, betel nuts, and coins in their brothers’ palms, pouring water over them while chanting mantras. A sacred thread (Kalawa) is then tied on the brother’s wrist, followed by an aarti ceremony. The rituals conclude with the exchange of gifts and seeking blessings from elders.
Celebrations Across Different States
Bhai Dooj is celebrated with unique traditions in various states:
- Maharashtra: Known as Bhav Bij, sisters draw a square on the floor and offer their brothers a bitter fruit called Karith before applying tilak and performing aarti.
- West Bengal: Here, it’s celebrated as Bhai Phonta. Sisters fast until the rituals are completed, applying a tilak made of sandalwood, kajal, and ghee, followed by prayers and a festive meal.
- Bihar: In this state, the celebration has a distinct twist where sisters humorously hurl curses at their brothers, seek forgiveness by pricking their tongues, and receive blessings and gifts in return.
Bhai Dooj is a beautiful celebration of sibling bonds, marked by love, rituals, and shared meals across the country.
History of Bhai Dooj
According to Hindu mythology, the festival of Bhai Dooj commemorates the visit of Lord Krishna to his sister Subhadra after he defeated the demon Narakasura. Subhadra greeted him with sweets and flowers, applying a tilak on his forehead. This gesture of love marked the beginning of Bhai Dooj celebrations.
Another legend relates to Yama, the god of death, who visited his sister Yamuna. She welcomed him with a tilak ceremony and offered him sweets. In response to her affection, Yama decreed that anyone who receives a tilak and sweets from their sister on this day would be blessed with longevity.
Bhai Dooj Significance
“Bhai” means brother, and “Dooj” refers to the second day after the new moon. On this day, people celebrate their bonds with siblings, exchanging gifts and expressing love for one another. The ceremony aims to protect against evil forces and bestow prosperity and longevity. In West Bengal, Bhai Dooj is celebrated as Bhai Phota, while in South India, it is known as Yama Dwitiya. In Maharashtra, the festival is referred to as Bhau Beej, all occurring on the same day.
Bhai Dooj Summary
Bhai Dooj, meaning “brother” and “the second day after the new moon,” is a festival celebrating sibling bonds. On this day, people exchange gifts and express love, aiming to protect against evil and promote prosperity and longevity. The festival is known as Bhai Phota in West Bengal, Yama Dwitiya in South India, and Bhau Beej in Maharashtra, all celebrated on the same day.
