Learn all about the significance and rituals of Bhai Dooj, also known as Yama Dwitiya, a festival that celebrates the bond between siblings. Discover the exact date and time for this festival in the year 2024, and the auspicious window for the tilak ceremony. This religious occasion also carries a belief that can bring spiritual protection to brothers and sisters in the afterlife.
Bhai Dooj: The Auspicious Bond Between Siblings
Bhai Dooj, also known as Yama Dwitiya, is an auspicious Hindu festival that celebrates the bond between siblings, particularly between brothers and sisters. It is the second day of Diwali, the festival of lights, and holds immense religious and cultural significance.
Mythological Origin
According to Hindu mythology, the festival originated from the legend of Lord Yama, the god of death, and his sister, Yamuna. On this day, Yamuna invited Yama to her house for a feast and applied a tilak (vermilion mark) on his forehead. Yama was so pleased by this act that he granted her a boon that whoever celebrates Bhai Dooj and receives a tilak from their sister will be protected from untimely death.
Significance
Bhai Dooj symbolizes the love, affection, and special bond shared between siblings. It is a day to express gratitude and seek blessings from each other. Brothers and sisters exchange gifts, sweets, and tilak as a token of their love and support. The festival also reinforces the importance of familial bonds and reminds siblings of the lifelong connection they share.
Rituals
The main ritual of Bhai Dooj is the tilak ceremony. The sister applies a tilak on her brother's forehead, accompanied by prayers for his well-being, prosperity, and longevity. The brother, in turn, presents his sister with gifts and promises to protect her always. Other rituals may include feasting, sharing stories, and participating in traditional games.
Auspicious Muhurta for 2024
In 2024, Bhai Dooj will be celebrated on November 11th. The auspicious Muhurta (tilak ceremony) time is between 08:18 AM to 09:13 AM.
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