One of the major Hindu festivals that come around during the festival season is Bhai Dooj. Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhau Beej, Bhai Phota, and Bhai Tika, is celebrated on the last day of the five-day-long Diwali festivities. This auspicious festival is celebrated on the second day or Dwitiya tithi of Shukla Paksha or the bright fortnight in the Hindu month of Kartik as per the Vikram Samvat Calendar. The Bhai Dooj 2020 is on 16th November 2020. This pious festival is celebrated by sisters to pray for the long life of their brothers.
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Significance of Bhai Dooj
Like Rakshabandhan, this festival commemorates the sacred relationship between a brother and a sister. This sacred bond between the brother and sister stands out from the rest of the relationships uniquely. On this occasion, the sister applies a tika or tilak and prays for their brothers' long life and prosperity. On the other hand, the brother presents the sister with gifts for all the sister’s efforts and toils for him. Additionally, on this day, people revere and worship Yamraj, the god of death.
This occasion is celebrated with excitement and enthusiasm. The day marks the sisterly love that is supposed to protect the brother from all obstacles in life. The tika or tilak ceremony signifies the sister's sincerest prayers for her brother's life’s longevity and prosperity. In return, the brother gives gifts to treat his sister and to bring a smile to her face. On this occasion, the brother visits the sister's house. The sisters also make scrumptious meals for their brothers that include their most relished and favourite dishes. The festival of Bhai Dooj also allows the family members and relatives to meet each other and spend some joyful time together.
Legends Related To Bhai Dooj
Like all Hindu festivals, the auspicious occasion of Bhai Dooj also has mythological legends associated with it. As per mythological tales, it is believed that on this day, the god of Death Yamraj or Yama, paid a visit to his sister, Yami or Yamuna, to fulfil her wish of having him visit her. Since she was meeting him after a long time, Yamuna made sure to make the occasion special. She applied tilak on Yamraj's forehead and prayed for his long life. She fed him dishes that she specially cooked herself for him. As Lord Yamraj received such love and affection from her, he asked his sister to ask for a boon. The loving sister that she was, she said that she wishes that he visits her every year and that any sister who applies the tilak and does the rituals for her brother shall never have to fear Yamraj, the god of death. Yama was very pleased with his sister and granted her wish. He also announced that whoever receives tilak from their sister on this day will enjoy prosperity and long life. This mythological tale is believed to be the origin behind the tradition of Bhai Dooj. This is why Bhai Dooj is also known as Yama Dwitiya.
There is another popular mythological belief about how we started to celebrate Bhai Dooj. According to Hindu mythological tales, it is believed that after defeating the evil demon Narakasura, Lord Krishna visited his sister Subhadra. She welcomed him with sweets and flowers. She applied tilak on Krishna's forehead with affection and prayed that he lives long. From this day onwards, it is believed that it became a custom to apply tilak on the brother's forehead and hence, the festival’s origin.
Bhai Dooj Puja Vidhi (Rituals)
Like most Indian festivals, this auspicious occasion is also celebrated with exuberance and spirit. The festival's rituals might have slight variations from place to place, depending on the region's beliefs and traditions. Here are the Bhai Dooj Puja rituals that are performed-
On this day, people believe it to be auspicious for the siblings to take a bath in the river Yamuna, as the Yamuna is considered the sister of Lord Yamraj. But, if it is not possible to take a dip in the Yamuna, get up early in the morning and take a bath to prepare for the day.
Both the brother and the sister should worship Yama, Yamuna, Chitragupta, and Yama’s messengers and offer arghya to everyone.
It is believed that the brother should have food at the sister's house. However, if the sister is unmarried, the brother should have food made by the sister.
The main rituals of Bhai Dooj should always be done after checking out the auspicious time (muhurta). The plate which is to be used for the ritual should have vermilion (sindoor), fruits, flowers, sandalwood, sweets, fruits, flowers, and betel nuts.
Make your brother sit on a chowki before starting with the Tilak ceremony.
The sister then applies tika or tilak on the brother's forehead with roli and akshat and does aarti.
The sister then puts sindoor, paan (betel leaf), and dried coconut on the brother’s palm.
After that, the Kalava is tied around the wrist of the brother.
The sister then feeds him a sweet with her hand. It is believed that the brother's lifespan increases and all the troubles of his life are removed by doing this.
The sister then wishes that her brother has a long and prosperous life.
After this, the brother gives the sister gifts to conclude the rituals.
Bhai Dooj Date and Time
The Bhai Dooj 2020 auspicious date and muhurat is given below.
Bhai Dooj Date- 16th November 2020 (Monday)
Bhai Dooj Aparahna Time (Muhurat) - 01:10 PM to 03:18 PM
Dwitiya Tithi Starts- 07:06 AM (16th November 2020)
Dwitiya Tithi Ends - 03:56 AM (17th November 2020)
Bhai Dooj Celebrations
Due to the diversity that we have in our country, Bhai Dooj is known by different names in different regions. Additionally, rituals performed during this festival also might have slight variations depending upon that specific region. However, one thing that doesn't change is that this auspicious festival still holds the same importance in people's hearts all across the country. Here are some of the ways this festival is celebrated in different parts of India.
West Bengal
In West Bengal, Bhai Dooj is referred to as 'Bhai Phota'. On this day, the sisters observe a fast until the entire ceremony is done. Sisters apply a tilak made of sandalwood, kajal, and ghee on the brother's forehead and then pray for his well-being. A grand feast is also organised on this occasion. Additionally, gifts are also exchanged.
Maharashtra
In Maharashtra and Goa, Bhai Dooj is known as 'Bhau Beej'. In Marathi, Bhau means brother. The brother is made to sit on the floor where the sister draws a square. He is made to consume a bitter fruit known as Karith. After this, the sister applies tilak on the brother's forehead and performs the aarti. She also prays for the welfare of her sibling. In return, the brother treats the sister with a gift.
Bihar
Bhai Dooj is uniquely celebrated in Bihar. The sister scolds her brother and even hurls abuses at him. After that, the sister pricks her tongue as a punishment and asks for forgiveness.
The festival of Bhai Dooj signifies the bond shared by a brother and sister. This bond is like nothing else. It is pure and devoid of all viciousness, which is why this festival becomes significant for all brothers and sisters.
If you want to know more about the rituals or looking for ways to make this occasion more special, reach out to the expert astrologers at Astroyogi.
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