Celebrated on the last day of the Diwali week, Bhai Dooj is a Hindu festival similar to Raksha Bandhan.
It falls on the second lunar day of Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) in the Vikram Samvat Hindu calendar or of Shalivahan Shaka calendar month of Kartika. Bhai Dooj is also known as Bhau-Beej, Bhai Tika and Bhai Phonta in various parts of India.
Here’s all you need to know about the festival:
When is Bhai Dooj This Year?
Bhai Dooj will be celebrated on Friday, 9 November 2018.
Why is Bhai Dooj Celebrated?
On Bhai Dooj, sisters pray for their brothers’ long and prosperous lives. According to custom, brothers are invited home for puja and 'teeka' or 'tilak' is applied on their foreheads. Sisters get gifts in return.
The Stories Behind Bhai Dooj
One belief says, Yamraj, the God of Death, visited his siter Yami on this day. who welcomed him with an aarti, applied 'tilak' on his forehead. Yamraj was moved by her love and presented her with a gift that signified his love and affection towards her. Thus, it is believed that any brother who would receive an 'aarti' and 'tilak' from his sister on this day should never be afraid of death.
Another popular story about the festival says that Lord Krishna's sister Subhadra welcomed him with aarti, tilak, sweets and flowers after he killed the demon king Narakasur.
What is the Muhurat for Bhai Dooj 2018?
The auspicious timings for celebrating Bhai Dooj 2018, according to Panchang, the old Hindu calendar are:
- Dwitiya Tithi Begins – 8 November 2018 at 22:37 Hrs
- Dwitiya Tithi End – 9 November 2018 at 22:50 Hrs
Puja Muhurats on 9 November 2018:
- Afternoon – 13:20 Hrs to 15:15 Hrs
- Evening – 16:25 Hrs to 17:35 Hrs and 19:20 Hrs to 20:40 Hrs
Shubh Muhurat for Bhai Dooj:
The best time to celebrate Bhai Dooj as per the Hindu Panchang is:
- Shubh Muhurat for Ceremony – 13:20 Hrs to 15:15 Hrs
- Total Duration of Ceremony – 2 Hours 17 Mins