Mumbai: Bhai Dooj, an important Hindu festival, celebrates the deep-rooted love between brothers and sisters. Much like Raksha Bandhan, Bhai Dooj strengthens familial bonds as siblings gather to perform the traditional tilak ceremony. Taking place just after Diwali, this festival holds special significance and is celebrated with unique customs across India. Known by various regional names, Bhai Dooj brings families together to cherish sibling ties and offer blessings for each other’s prosperity and well-being.
In 2024, Bhai Dooj falls on November 3, marking a day filled with love, respect, and rituals. According to the Hindu calendar, the festival begins on November 2 at 8:21 PM and concludes on November 3 at 10:05 PM. Observed on the second day of Kartik Shukla Paksha, the timing adheres to the ‘udya tithi,’ or lunar day, following sunrise. This makes Sunday, November 3, 2024, the main day of celebration for Bhai Dooj.
Bhai Dooj 2024 Tilak Shubh Muhurat
The tilak ceremony, an essential part of Bhai Dooj, is observed during the shubh muhurat, an auspicious time to perform this sacred ritual. For 2024, the ideal muhurat for applying the tilak is between 1:19 PM and 3:22 PM on November 3, allowing a precise window of 2 hours and 3 minutes for siblings to gather and honour this tradition. During the ceremony, sisters apply a ceremonial tilak on their brothers’ foreheads, praying for their long life, happiness, and prosperity, while brothers pledge to protect and support their sisters.
Story and Significance of Bhai Dooj
The origin of Bhai Dooj traces back to the tale of Lord Yama, the God of Death, and his sister Yamuna, the river goddess. According to Hindu mythology, Yamuna longed for her brother’s visit and extended a heartfelt invitation to Yama. On the second day of Kartik, Lord Yama finally visited Yamuna, who greeted him warmly, performed a tilak ceremony, and served him a meal. Touched by his sister’s affection, Yama granted her a boon, promising that he would visit her every year on this day. Furthermore, he declared that any brother who receives a tilak from his sister on Bhai Dooj would be blessed with a long life and prosperity. Since then, Bhai Dooj has been celebrated as a symbol of sibling love and devotion.
Rituals and Cultural Importance of Bhai Dooj
Bhai Dooj holds significant cultural and emotional value for families across India. Sisters perform the tilak ceremony, praying for their brother’s well-being, and offer gifts as a token of their love. Brothers, in turn, present gifts to their sisters, pledging to safeguard them throughout their lives. This exchange of love, blessings, and promises further strengthens the sibling bond, turning Bhai Dooj into a joyous family occasion.
Bhai Dooj 2024 Timings at a Glance
| Ritual | Date | Time |
| Bhai Dooj Tithi Begins | November 2 | 8:21 PM |
| Bhai Dooj Tithi ends | November 3 | 10:05 PM |
| Tilak Shubh Muhurat | November 3 | 1:19 PM – 3:22 PM (2 hours, 3 mins) |
The Bhai Dooj celebration is a heartfelt reminder of the enduring love and support that siblings share. As families gather to honour this beautiful tradition, Bhai Dooj remains a testament to the values of protection, blessing, and familial respect.
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