Bhai Dooj 2023 Date & Time, Muhurat, Celebration, Rituals

Bhai Dooj, also known by various names such as Bhau Beej, Bhai Bij, Bhatru Dwitiya, Bhai Phota, Bhai Fota, and Bhai Tikka, is a festival that symbolizes the special bond between a brother and a sister. Unlike some festivals in India, it doesn’t have a fixed date. Celebrated with grandeur, on this day, sisters offer prayers for the well-being and prosperity of their brothers. The lunar phases dictate the timing of all religious festivals, including Bhai Dooj. This celebration falls on the second day of the Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik (October-November). While it goes by different names in various regions of the country, the customs and festivities remain consistent.

Bhai Dooj 2023

On this occasion, sisters engage in a special puja for their brothers and apply a tilak on their foreheads. Although these customs add an intriguing aspect to the celebration of highly auspicious festivals, they can sometimes lead to confusion. While most people generally understand that Bhai Dooj follows Diwali, the precise date hinges on the occurrence of the second day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartik according to the Hindu calendar. In return, brothers pledge to safeguard their sisters and provide for them always. The confusion arises when a festival spans two dates due to the influence of lunar phases.

During this festival, the exchange of gifts and sharing special meals is a cherished tradition. In 2023, it is anticipated to be a day filled with happiness, customary rituals, and thoughtful presents. Specifically, in 2023, Bhai Dooj is set to be observed on the 14th of November (Tuesday). When discussing Bhai Dooj, there can be confusion about its timing, spanning from the 12th to the 27th of November. In the northern regions of India, it is referred to as Bhai Dooj, while in the western parts; it is known as Bhau Beej. In southern India, the festival is celebrated as Yama Dwitiya. Allow us to dispel any uncertainties and provide you with a clear explanation for this matter.

Bhai Dooj 2023 Date

The Bhai Dooj festival is scheduled to be celebrated on the 15th of November 2023, which falls on a Wednesday. This is due to the fact that the more auspicious time for performing the puja is on the 14th of November. Taking this into consideration, it is entirely appropriate to observe the Bhai Dooj festival on either of these two days.

Bhai Dooj 2023 Timing & Muhurat

The Bhai Dooj Aparahna Time is set to commence at 01:10 PM and conclude at 03:19 PM. Considering the provided details, it is evident that the majority of the festival, including the Aparahna time, falls on Tuesday, the 14th of November 2023. Therefore, Bhai Dooj is officially celebrated on the 14th of November 2023.

Bhai Dooj 2023 Timings and Puja Muhurat

The Aparahna time holds great significance as the most auspicious period for celebrating any festival. The confusion regarding whether to observe Bhai Dooj in 2023 on November 14 or November 15 arises from the fact that the second day of the Shukla Paksha of the month of Kartik spans both dates. This is due to its position right in the middle of the entire duration of the festival, a factor considered highly promising for celebrations and performing rituals.

According to the Drik Panchang, the specific Bhratra Dwitiya Tithi for 2023 begins at 2:36 PM on November 14 and concludes at 1:47 PM on November 15. As indicated in the provided table, the Aparahna time for Bhai Dooj 2023 falls between 01:10 PM to 03:19 PM on Tuesday, the 14th of November. In alignment with this, the Bhai Dooj Aparahna time spans from 1:10 PM to 3:19 PM on November 14, 2023. Therefore, it is advised to apply a ’tilak’ on your brother’s forehead and perform the rituals during this specified period.

Bhai Dooj Dates for Upcoming Years

That’s great to hear! It’s always exciting to plan ahead for upcoming festivals. Here’s a list of Bhai Dooj celebrations for the next few years:

Significance Bhai Dooj 2023

On Bhai Dooj, sisters participate in the tika ceremony, which involves performing aarti and applying a red tilak on their brother’s forehead. However, what many may not be aware of are the numerous legends surrounding Bhratri Dwitiya according to Hindu mythology. During this ritual, sisters pray for the long life and well-being of their brothers, while brothers reciprocate by offering gifts. One of the legends recounts the story of Lord Yama, the god of death, who once visited his sister Yamuna (yes, the river) on the Dwitiya of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartik. Lord Surya and his wife Sangya had two children – a son named Yamraj, who became the lord of death, and a daughter named Yami. Yamuna applied sandalwood paste or tilak on Lord Yama and presented him with a plate full of delicacies.

Rituals & Celebrations Bhai Dooj 2023

Much like the festival of Raksha Bandhan, Bhai Dooj is also observed by sisters to wish for the long life and happiness of their brothers. It is customary for brothers to visit their sisters’ homes bearing gifts, and for sisters to warmly welcome them, applying a sandalwood tika on their foreheads, imparting blessings for a long life, and offering a platter of both savory and sweet delicacies. The specific rituals for Bhai Dooj may vary from one region to another. On the day of Bhai Dooj, sisters extend invitations to their brothers, perform an aarti, and apply a red tika on their foreheads.

In Bengal, it is customary to recite a mantra while applying the tika. The mantra roughly translates to: “By placing this tika on my brother’s forehead, I am deterring Lord Yama from shortening my brother’s life. A decorated thali is prepared for performing the aarti, containing roli, tika, a diya, and a sweet. Sisters also offer prayers to God, seeking blessings for their brothers to lead long, joyful, and prosperous lives. This act mirrors what Yamuna did when she applied tika on Lord Yama, and I am replicating it for my brother.”

Following the tika ceremony, sisters exchange gifts with their brothers, and brothers may also present gifts to their sisters or inquire about their wishes and pledge to fulfill them. In some regions, special pujas for Yamuna and Lord Yama are conducted, accompanied by the lighting of lamps with four wicks. In places like Maharashtra and Gujarat, women without brothers observe a ritual of worshiping the moon on Bhai Dooj. This is why the moon is sometimes affectionately referred to as Chanda Mama (mama meaning mother’s brother).

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