Bhai Dooj, also affectionately known as Bhau Beej, is a heartwarming festival that celebrates the cherished bond between brothers and sisters. In 2024, this significant occasion will be observed on November 3, marking a joyous end to the Diwali festivities. As families come together, this day emphasises love, protection, and gratitude within sibling relationships. Bhai Dooj is celebrated in different states with variations and different names like Bhardutiya, Bhai Phonta, Bhau Beej, Bhai Tikka and more. In this article, we will look at the Bhai Dooj 2024 date and time in India along with shubh muhurat, rituals and traditions associated with the festival. Diwali 2024 Start and End Dates: From Dhanteras to Lakshmi Puja, Know Auspicious Timings, Important Rituals, Shubh Muhurat and Significance To Celebrate the Festival.

Understanding Bhai Dooj

Bhai Dooj is celebrated on the second day of Shukla Paksha, the bright fortnight of the month of Kartik, according to the Vikram Samvat calendar. It is a day filled with traditional rituals, reflecting the essence of familial love and commitment. Often referred to by various names such as Bhai Phonta, Bhai Tika, and Yamadvitiya, the festival encapsulates the promises of safety and well-being exchanged between siblings.

Date and Timings for Bhai Dooj 2024

In 2024, Bhai Dooj will take place on Sunday, November 3rd. Here are the crucial timings to keep in mind:

  • Dwitiya Tithi Begins: November 2, 2024, at 08:21 PM

  • Dwitiya Tithi Ends: November 3, 2024, at 10:05 PM

  • Aparahna Time (ideal for rituals): November 3, 2024, from 01:17 PM to 03:38 PM

  • Performing the Bhai Dooj rituals during the Aparahna time is believed to enhance blessings and auspiciousness.

Rituals and Traditions of Bhai Dooj

The customs associated with Bhai Dooj vary across different regions of India, yet the core rituals remain largely similar. On this day, sisters invite their brothers over for a lavish meal and perform a special ritual known as tilak.

1. Preparing for the Celebration: Sisters prepare a special space using rice flour for their brothers. Once seated, they apply a paste made of vermilion (sindoor), yogurt (dahi), and rice to their brothers' foreheads, symbolising blessings and protection. Bhai Dooj Fashion Ideas: 5 Celeb-Inspired Ethnic Outfits to Amp Up Your Festive Glam This Season! (View Pics).

2. Offering Gifts: Sisters then place betel leaves, betel nuts, coins, and a flower in their brother’s hands, pouring water over them while reciting sacred mantras. This act embodies the sister's heartfelt prayers for her brother's longevity and happiness.

3. The Sacred Thread: A sacred thread called Kalawa is tied around the brother’s wrist, followed by an aarti ritual to invoke blessings.

4. Feasting Together: The day culminates in a delightful meal, where siblings share not just food but joy and laughter. Brothers traditionally reciprocate with gifts, reinforcing their promises of protection.

The Cultural Significance of Bhai Dooj

Bhai Dooj is steeped in cultural importance, serving to reinforce the bonds of love, trust, and protection between siblings. Sisters pray for their brothers' prosperity, while brothers pledge to care for their sisters, making it a day that highlights the value of family ties and sibling relationships.

Regional Variations in Celebrations

  • While Bhai Dooj is celebrated across the country, each region adds its unique flavour to the festivities:

  • In West Bengal, the festival is known as Bhai Phonta. Sisters observe a fast until the tilak ceremony, after which brothers present gifts as tokens of affection.

  • In Maharashtra and Goa, the evening tilak ceremony is followed by prayers for the well-being of brothers.

  • In Uttar Pradesh, sisters give their brothers a dried coconut post-tilak, symbolising good fortune.

  • In Nepal, the celebration takes the form of Bhai Tihar, embracing similar customs with local variations.

Bhai Dooj 2024 is more than just a festival; it is an opportunity for siblings to reaffirm their bonds of love and commitment. As brothers and sisters engage in age-old rituals, they create lasting memories that celebrate their unique relationships. With traditions steeped in love, protection, and mutual respect, Bhai Dooj serves as a reminder of the importance of family, making it a truly special occasion.

(Disclaimer: The information provided here is based on beliefs and legends only. Before applying any information in real life, consult the concerned expert.)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 23, 2024 02:34 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).