Bhai Dooj 2023 Date and Time: Hindus commemorate Bhai Tika, Bhai Dooj, Bhaubeej, Bhai Phonta, or Bhratri Dwitiya on the second lunar day of Kartika’s Shukla Paksha, the eighth month of the Vikram Samvat Hindu calendar or the Shalivahana Shaka calendar. This day is celebrated similarly to the Raksha Bandhan event.
The second day after Diwali celebrations is dedicated to celebrating Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhaiya Dooj. Bhau Beej, Bhai Bij, Bhatru Dwitiya, Bhav Bij, Bhatri Ditya, Bhai Phota, Bhai Fota, and Bhai Tikka are some more names for Bhai Dooj.
The holy bond between a brother and sister is honored on this day. Sisters pray for their brothers’ lifespan and prosperity while placing tilak on their foreheads.
The second lunar day of Shukla Paksha is when Bhai Dooj 2023 is observed, according to the Vikram Samvat calendar.
Bhai Dooj 2023 Date
An unconditional bond between a brother and a sister is symbolized by the Bhai Dooj celebration. Bhai Dooj will be observed on November 15, 2023, Wednesday this year. The chance to get together and celebrate their bond on this day is something that siblings look forward to with great anticipation.
Bhai Dooj History and Importance
The original story of Bhai Dooj festival is not recorded in any literature. Nonetheless, it is thought that on the day that is now known as Diwali, Lord Krishna went to see his sister Subhadra, who greeted him by putting a tilaka on his forehead. This is supposed to have happened after he killed the demon Narakasura. Since then, people have observed Bhai Dooj on this day.
Another legend claims that Yamaraja, the ruler of death, visited his sister Yami on this day, and she greeted him with sweets, flowers, and a tilak on his brow. The lord of death gave her a gift in exchange that showed how much he loved her.
What is the Meaning of Bhai Dooj?
The terms “Bhai” and “Dooj” have a literal connotation that is associated with Bhai Phota or Bhai Dooj. Brother is referred to as “Bhai,” while the second day following the new moon is known as “Dooj.” Thus, Bhai Dooj is observed on the second day following the Diwali celebration.
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Why is Bhai Dooj called Yama Dwitiya?
The name Yama Dwitiya is given to Bhai Dooj in southern India. The mythology surrounding Yama, the God of Death, and his sister Yami, also known as Yamuna, is the source of this name.
This story states that on Dwitheya, the second day following the new moon, Yama met his sister. Around the nation, people began to celebrate this specific incident as “Yamadvitiya” or “Yamadwitheya.” From there onwards people began celebrating Bhai Dooj as Yama Dwitiya on that day.
Bhai Dooj 2023 Rituals, Culture and Tradition
Sisters invite their brothers over for a lavish dinner on the day of the celebration, which frequently includes their favorite foods and desserts. The process in central India and Bihar can differ. The entire ritual represents a sister’s blessings for her brother and the obligation of a brother to defend her.
Sisters do arti for their brother and place a red tika on his forehead, continuing the ritual in the customary manner. On the occasion of Bhai Bij, the sister offers gifts to her brother as a token of her deepest wishes for a long and happy life. Elder brothers bless their sisters in return and sometimes give them presents or money.
Women who don’t have brothers worship the Moon Chandra instead since it is traditional in Haryana and Maharashtra to commemorate the auspicious occasion of Bhau-beej. As part of their custom, they apply mehendi. Through the moon god, the sister of a sibling who lives far away and is unable to visit her home sends her fervent prayers for her sibling’s long and happy life. For the Moon, she performs an aarti. The Moon is affectionately referred to by Hindu parents’ children as Chandamama (Chanda is the Hindi word for moon, and mama is the English word for mother’s brother).
Is there a Holiday on Bhai Dooj 2023 ?
Bhai Dooj 2023 is not a government holiday, according to the Central Government’s list of holidays. In India, Bhai Dooj is not a mandatory holiday. Employees in the private sector have the option to take a day off for this event; it is an optional holiday. On Bhai Dooj, however, the majority of shops and companies are still open.