Bhai Dooj, famously known as Bhaiya Dooj, Bhai Dwitiya, Bhai Phonta, Bhai Tika, Bhathru Dwithiya, or Bhau-Beej, is a unique festival that celebrates the chaste and beautiful bond between a sister and brother. The Hindu festival of Bhai Dooj signals the end of the five-day-long festival of Diwali that begins with Dhanteras. Bhai Dooj marks the conclusion of the Diwali festivities. On Bhai Dooj, the sisters pray for their brothers to lead a long and joyful life by performing the Tika ceremony, and the brothers give their sisters gifts.
Bhai Dooj is a pious event for siblings wherein brothers and sisters celebrate the day together and exchange gifts.
Here is the Bhai Dooj 2023 date and time that you should know to celebrate the festival correctly.
The occasion of Bhaiya Dooj falls on the Dwitiya or second day of the Shukla Paksha in Kartika month, as per the Vikram Samvat. Typically, this day falls right after Diwali, two days to be exact. As per the Gregorian calendar, it falls between October and November.
Bhai Dooj, or Bhaiya Dooj, is celebrated with great enthusiasm. It signifies the pure and magnificent relationship between a brother and a sister. This festival is similar to Raksha Bandhan, which also glorifies and celebrates the brother-sister relationship. However, there is a difference. On Raksha Bandhan, the married sister visits the brother's house, whereas on Bhaiya Dooj, the brother visits his sister's home. On Raksha Bandhan, the brother promises to protect his sister. However, on Bhaiya Dooj, the sister wholeheartedly prays to Lord Yama for her brother's long life.
Brothers who live in distant places make their utmost efforts to meet their sisters; thus, this auspicious day strengthens their bond of love. Bhai Dooj is an occasion where the sisters offer a token of love to their brother. This unique festival provides an occasion for the sisters and brothers to reinforce their relationship.
While this festival is celebrated across India, the rituals and names may differ from region to region. But the purity of the festival remains the same everywhere.
Bhai Dooj's history and significance can be traced back to Indian mythology, and our scriptures have various legends that can explain Bhai Dooj's origin. The most famous tale is that of Lord Yama and Yamuna, the children of Lord Sun. Lord Yamraj, the son of Lord Sun, had a sister, Yamuna, who wanted him to visit her. Yamuna loved her brother and requested him over and over again to visit her house and have a meal. But Yamraj didn't visit her place.
Once again, Yamuna invited her brother. Usually, no one invites Yamraj to their house, as he is known to take lives. But Yamuna invited him with respect and love. So, Yamraj thought it was his duty to visit his sister.
Seeing Yamraj at her house, Yamuna welcomed her brother. She applied a Tilak on his forehead, prayed for his long life, and prepared different dishes. Impressed by his sister’s devotion and all the arrangements, Yamraj offered a boon to her. Yamuna said that she didn't want anything from him. However, she extracted a promise from Yamraj that he would visit her every year. She also said that any sister who welcomes her brother on this day, performs the rituals, and serves food should never have to fear Yamraj, the God of Death. Lord Yamraj granted her wish.
It is believed that the festival of Bhai Dooj started after this incident, and it is celebrated with fervor to this day. This is why Bhai Dooj is also known as ‘Yama Dwitiya’. Based on this tale, the brothers who celebrate this festival are believed to remain free from the fear of Lord Yamraj. Thus, the worship of Lord Yamraj and Yamuna is highly significant. People believe that the brother-sister duo who take a dip in the holy Yamuna river on this day can lead a happy life with fewer troubles.
Another story that depicts the sibling bond is the one with Lord Krishna and his sister Subhadra. Legend has it that Lord Krishna visited his sister Subhadra after killing Narakasura on Naraka Chaturdashi. She welcomed Lord Krishna with sweets, fruits, and flowers when he visited. Then, she lit up Diyas and greeted him by applying a Tilak on his forehead. So, it has become a custom for sisters to invite their brothers. The brothers present gifts to their sisters in return. This practice has become the Bhai Dooj Tilak Vidhi.
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Indians celebrate Bhaiya Dooj in various ways, depending on the region. However, one thing to remember is that the festival is celebrated in a grand manner. Bhai Dooj is meant for brothers and sisters; on this occasion, they express their love and adoration for each other.
Let us look at how people celebrate Bhai Dooj in different Indian states.
Maharashtrians refer to Bhai Dooj as Bhau Beej. ‘Bhau’ means brother in Marathi. The sister welcomes her brother, puts a Tilak on him, and performs the Puja at the appropriate Bhaiya Dooj 2023 Shubh Muhurat to pray for his long life and bright future.
In West Bengal, Bengalis refer to Bhai Dooj as Bhai Phota. The sister observes a fast on this day and waits for her brother to visit her. She welcomes him, applies a Tilak on his forehead, and treats him to a sumptuous lunch. The brother offers gifts to the sister.
Bihar celebrates Bhai Dooj uniquely, and people follow a custom that is followed nowhere else. The sister calls her brother, rebukes him, and also abuses him on the eve of Bhai Dooj. Later, she apologizes to him and prays for her brother's long life. The tradition is done to absolve the brother of all his sins. After this practice, she applies a Tilak on his forehead and offers him sweets and food.
Bhai Dooj is celebrated the traditional way in Uttar Pradesh. The sister applies the Tilak on her brother's forehead and offers him water and crystallized sugar (Batashe). Some sisters also provide water and dried coconut to their brothers on this day.
In Nepal, Bhai Dooj is known as Bhai Tihar. The word ‘Tihar’ denotes Tilak. Sisters welcome their brothers and apply the Tilak on their foreheads. This Tilak is unique, as it is made up of seven colors. Finally, the sisters pray for their brother’s long and prosperous life.
Bhai Dooj marks the end of the five-day-long festival that starts on Dhanteras. Every Indian awaits these five days because it enables them to forget other worries, celebrate these beautiful festivals, and have a great time with their near and dear ones. Each of these five days has a specific significance that embodies our rich culture. The best aspect of Diwali is that Indians across the globe celebrate it with the same enthusiasm.
The festival of Bhai Dooj or Bhaiya Dooj is unique because the pristine brother-sister bond is celebrated enthusiastically.
To make Bhai Dooj 2023 special for your sibling, or if you have any questions regarding this festival, call or chat with the Astroyogi astrologers.
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