Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhai Phota, Bhaubeej, or Bhathru Dwithiya, is a Hindu festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. It is observed on the second day after Diwali, which falls on the second day of the bright fortnight or Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartika. The festival usually occurs in October or November.
Bhai Dooj 2023 Significance:
Bhai Dooj holds great significance in Hindu culture, emphasizing the special bond between brothers and sisters. The festival is a symbol of love, affection, and the duty of brothers to protect their sisters. It is believed that on this day, sisters pray for the well-being and long life of their brothers, while brothers, in turn, offer gifts to their sisters.
Bhai Dooj 2023 History:
The origin of Bhai Dooj can be traced back to ancient Indian history. According to Hindu mythology, after slaying the demon Narakasura, Lord Krishna visited his sister Subhadra. Subhadra welcomed Krishna with an aarti (ceremonial worship with light) and applied a tilak on his forehead as a mark of her love and affection. This act is believed to be the inspiration behind the tradition of sisters applying a tilak on their brothers’ foreheads on Bhai Dooj.
Bhai Dooj 2023 Celebrations:
The celebrations of Bhai Dooj typically involve sisters performing aarti for their brothers, applying tilak on their foreheads, and performing a ceremony where they pray for their brothers’ well-being. Brothers, in return, offer gifts to their sisters as a token of their love and appreciation. It is also common for families to come together and share a festive meal on this day.
Bhai Dooj 2023 Date and Time:
The timing of Bhai Dooj varies each year based on the Hindu calendar. It is celebrated on the second day of the bright fortnight of Kartika, which usually falls in October or November. The exact timing can be determined by consulting the Hindu lunar calendar for that year.
Bhai Dooj 2023 Pooja Vidhi:
The rituals and Vidhi (procedure) for Bhai Dooj may vary slightly across different regions and communities, but here is a general guideline for performing the Bhai Dooj Pooja in 2023:
Items Needed:
- Tilak (made with sandalwood paste, kumkum, and rice)
- Diya (oil lamp)
- Flowers
- Coconut
- Sweets
- Fruits
- Incense sticks
- Camphor
- Aarti Thali (a plate for offering)
- Roli (red powder)
- Rice
Bhai Dooj Pooja Vidhi:
- Preparation:
- Clean the house and the area where the pooja will be performed.
- Arrange all the items needed for the pooja on a clean surface.
- Sister’s Preparation:
- Get ready by wearing traditional attire.
- Prepare the tilak by mixing sandalwood paste, kumkum, and rice.
- Pooja Setup:
- Place a small chowki or a clean cloth for the brother to sit.
- Light the diya and incense sticks.
- Brother’s Arrival:
- The brother should take a bath and wear clean clothes before sitting for the pooja.
- Applying Tilak:
- Sister applies the tilak on her brother’s forehead, symbolizing the sacred bond.
- Perform aarti by waving the diya in a circular motion in front of the brother.
- Offering Sweets and Gifts:
- Sister offers sweets and gifts to her brother as a gesture of love and affection.
- Exchange of Blessings:
- Sisters pray for the well-being, prosperity, and longevity of their brothers.
- Brothers, in turn, give their blessings to their sisters.
- Feast:
- Enjoy a festive meal together as a family.
- Traditional Rituals:
- Some families may perform specific regional rituals or customs unique to their tradition.
- Aarti to Conclude:
- Conclude the pooja by performing aarti with camphor.
- Expressing Gratitude:
- Brothers and sisters express their love and gratitude towards each other.
It’s important to note that while these are general guidelines, specific customs may vary. Families often adapt the pooja to their traditions and preferences. Additionally, consulting with elders or following the family’s traditional practices can add a personal touch to the celebration.
