Bhai Dooj, also known as Yama Dwitiya, is celebrated every year on the second day of the Kartika month in the Hindu calendar, symbolizing the eternal bond between brothers and sisters. This year, Bhai Dooj falls on November 3, 2024. Traditionally, sisters apply a sacred tilak on their brothers’ foreheads and pray for their long life, prosperity, and happiness, while brothers bless their sisters with protection and gifts.
Bhai Dooj 2024: Date and Muhurat
According to the Hindu Panchang, the Dwitiya Tithi (second day) will start at 8:22 PM on November 2 and conclude at 11:06 PM on November 3. Therefore, Bhai Dooj will be observed on November 3, 2024, with the most auspicious time for the Bhai Dooj ceremony between 11:45 AM and 1:30 PM. It is believed that if sisters perform the tilak ritual during this auspicious period, it blesses the brothers with a long life and brings happiness and prosperity to both.
Significance of Bhai Dooj
The Bhai Dooj festival is rooted in the beautiful bond between siblings. According to legend, on this day, Goddess Yamuna invited her brother Yama (the God of Death) to her home, where she welcomed him with great respect, offered him food, and performed a tilak ceremony. Touched by her warmth and devotion, Yama declared that any brother who receives tilak from his sister on this day will be blessed with longevity and prosperity, and he will not suffer in the afterlife.
The tradition of Yamuna Snan (bathing in the Yamuna River) on Bhai Dooj is also considered highly auspicious. Yamuna, being the daughter of the Sun God, is believed to have the power to alleviate all difficulties. Thus, offering prayers to Yamuna and Yama on Bhai Dooj and taking a holy dip in the Yamuna River is thought to bring special blessings.
Bhai Dooj Puja Tilak Ceremony
The tilak ritual on Bhai Dooj is sacred and holds a deep significance in the lives of siblings. Here’s the traditional way to perform the Bhai Dooj tilak:
Tilak Preparation: According to tradition, sisters should perform the tilak facing the northeast direction. The tilak is usually made using sandalwood paste, vermillion, and rice grains, symbolizing purity, strength, and prosperity.
Sweet Offering: After applying the tilak, sisters offer sweets to their brothers, signifying sweetness in their bond.
Offering of Coconut and Rice: Sisters give their brothers a coconut and rice as a symbol of good fortune and strength.
Aarti and Blessings: The sister then performs aarti (a ritual of worship) for her brother, praying for his long life, happiness, and success.
Exchange of Gifts: As a token of appreciation and love, brothers offer gifts to their sisters, reinforcing the bond of love and protection between them.
This beautiful festival of Bhai Dooj strengthens the bond between brothers and sisters, honoring their love, support, and prayers for each other’s well-being.
