Bhai Dooj 2023: Bhaiya dooj, commonly called Bhai Tika or Bhaubeej, is an annual celebration honouring siblings’ special bonds.
Taking place annually in October or November as per Hindu calendar rules, this sacred event marks a unique event dedicated to these relationships. It keeps their celebration through ceremonial occasions such as this.
On this particular day, sisters gather to pray for their brothers’ health, wealth and longevity. To mark this event, sisters apply a tilak (or vermilion) on their brother’s foreheads before performing an Aarti ceremony with sweets, roli and coconut in colourful thalis containing treats as tokens of affection from siblings to each other.
The most famous Bhai-Dooj legend features Yama, the God of Death and Yamuna as protagonists. Yama visited Yamuna during Kartik’s (October-November) month’s Dwitiya day, making her overjoyed at seeing him arrive and applying a tilak to him for protection from hellfire.
Touched by Yamuna’s devotion and love, Yama granted her with a boon that any recipient receiving their sister’s tilak on this day will not face hellfire punishment, thus symbolising both strong bonds between brothers and sisters and emphasising its importance during Kartik.
When is Bhai Dooj 2023: November 14 or November 15?
India celebrates Bhai Dooj with great joy and excitement every year to recognize and honour siblings. The event will last two days, taking place both Tuesday, November 14 and Wednesday, November 15, but many people of India celebrate this festival on 15 November.
Bhai Dooj 2023 Timings & Shubh Muhurat
According to Drik Panchang, Bhai Dooj Aparahna Time will begin at 01:10 pm on November 14 and end at 03:19 pm, lasting two hours and nine minutes. Dwitiya Tithi starts on Tuesday at 02:36 pm and lasts until 01:47 am on November 15.
- Bhai Dooj aparahna time: from 01:10 to 03:19, November 14.
- Dwitiya Tithi begins at 02:36 PM, November 14, 2023
- Dwitiya Tithi ends at 01:47 PM, November 15, 2023
History
Hindu mythology holds that after Narakasura was defeated, Krishna visited Subhadra – his sister. Subhadra welcomed Krishna with flowers, sweets, and a tilak, which Subhadra gave to Krishna on this particular date: Bhai Dooj is celebrated annually on this date in her honour.
Another story states that after Yama was given one by Yamuna upon meeting her dead god sister Yamuna, Yama decided that anyone receiving both a tilak from their sister and sweets would receive long life blessings!
Significance
Dooj marks the second day following each new moon and is observed with festive celebrations by brothers and sisters to protect against evil forces while blessing each other with wealth and prosperity.
West Bengal celebrates Bhai Dooj with Photo festivities, while South Indians observe Yama Dwitiya or Beej on this date.
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