As the five-day Diwali festival comes to a close, we extend heartfelt congratulations to everyone on the joyous occasion of Bhaiya Dooj, a celebration of the unique bond shared between brothers and sisters.
This year, on November 15, 2023, as the Shukla Dwitiya Tithi unfolds its auspicious moments, families across the country will partake in rituals that have been cherished for generations.
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The Mythological Story of Bhaiya Dooj
According to mythology, Surya’s children, Yamraj and Yamuna, symbolize the origins of Bhaiya Dooj. Yamuna’s love for her brother Yamraj led to the establishment of this festival. On Kartik Shukla Dwitiya, Yamraj visited Yamuna, and their bond is commemorated through the tradition of brothers visiting sisters on this auspicious day.
Celebrating Bhai Dooj
If you don’t have a sister, share the joy with your maternal cousins or sisters. Eating food from your sister on Yama Dwitiya brings blessings of religion, wealth, and happiness. Additionally, consider donating a lamp before lighting the house, bringing prosperity.
Bhai Dooj 2023 Timings
- Bhai Dooj falls on November 15, 2023.
- Sisters perform the tilak ceremony on their brothers, and brothers give gifts as tokens of love.
- Shukla Dwitiya Tithi starts on November 14, 2023, at 2:36 p.m., and ends on November 15, 2023, at 1:47 p.m.
Significance of Bhai Dooj
The festival traces its roots to Yamaraj visiting his sister Yami, who welcomed him with a tilak. The day also commemorates Lord Krishna’s visit to his sister Subhadra after defeating the demon Narakasura.
Applying Tilak on Bhai Dooj | Tips and Rituals
The day begins with meticulous preparations for applying the tilak, symbolizing love and protection. The steps are not just rituals but a pathway to connect with the divine and express genuine affection:
- Worship Yamraj and Yami before applying the tilak.
- Pray for your brother’s well-being and a long life during the pooja.
- Face your brother towards the north or northwest and your sister towards the northeast or east while applying the tilak.
- Sisters can keep a fast, break it after applying tilak, and then feed sweets to their brothers.
- If the brother cannot visit, the sisters can send the tilak and dry coconut to him.
- Brothers should present a gift to their sisters.
Method of Applying Tilak on Bhai Dooj:
- Begin your day with a morning bath, wear clean clothes, and offer prayers to God.
- Prepare a plate with kumkum, vermilion, sandalwood, fruits, flowers, sweets, Akshat, and betel nuts for your brother’s tilak.
- Create a square using ground rice flour or batter and have your brother sit on it during the auspicious time.
- Perform the tilak ritual, followed by offering flowers, betel nuts, batasha, and conducting the aarti.
- After the tilak and aarti, offer sweets and home-cooked food to your brother.
- While applying the tilak, recite the mantra: “{गंगा पूजे यमुना को, यमी पूजे यमराज को। सुभद्रा पूजे कृष्ण को, गंगा यमुना नीर बहे मेरे भाई आप बढ़ें, फूले-फलें।) Ganga worship Yamuna, Yami worship Yamraj…”
Why Coconuts on Bhai Dooj?
The tradition of gifting coconut shells on Bhai Dooj began with sister Yamuna offering a coconut to Yamraj during his first visit. It signifies love, respect, and the enduring bond between brothers and sisters.
In Closing: As families come together on Bhai Dooj, the essence is not merely in the rituals but in the love, respect, and shared moments. Whether it’s the sacred tilak application or the exchange of gifts, Bhai Dooj stands as a testament to the enduring bonds that define the Indian familial fabric. May this festival bring joy, prosperity, and strengthened relationships to households across the nation.
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