Bhai Dooj 2023 - Puja Muhurat Timing and Date

Bhai Dooj is a Hindu festival celebrated on the second day of the Hindu lunar month of Kartik. The festival commemorates the love and affection between brothers and sisters. Bhai Dooj 2023, also known as Bhau-Beej, is celebrated in many parts of India and Nepal. In 2023, Bhai Dooj will be observed on November 14th. 

On this day, sisters perform a special puja for their brothers and apply tilak on their foreheads. Brothers, in turn, promise to protect their sisters and take care of them always. The festival is also a time for exchanging gifts and enjoying special meals together. 

When is Bhai Dooj 2023 Celebrated?

A traditional Hindu festival celebrated between brothers and sisters. Very similar to Raksha Bandhan, this festival is all about familial love and sibling affection. Here is the basic snapshot of the Bhai Dooj 2023.  

Bhai Dooj 2023 Puja Muhurat Timing

Bhai Dooj 2023 falls on November 15. The puja timings are from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The festival will begin at 2:36 PM on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, and end at 1:47 PM on Wednesday, November 15, 2023.

Rituals of Bhai Dooj

On this special occasion of Bhai Dooj, the sisters perform a special puja for their brothers and apply a religious tika on their foreheads made with vermillion, curd, and rice. To perform an aarti, the sister places pumpkin flowers, Betel leaves, nuts, and coins in the palms of the brother. She pours water on them while chanting mantras. A gift exchange followed by the elders' blessings is the next ritual.

How is Bhai Dooj Celebrated in Different States?

On the occasion of Bhai Dooj, sisters perform a puja for their brothers, pray for their well-being, and offer them gifts. The brothers, in turn, promise to protect their sisters and take care of them always. In some parts of India, the festival is also celebrated as a mark of respect for elders.  

Bhai Dooj is celebrated differently in different states of India. In Maharashtra, for instance, sisters apply vermillion powder on their brother's foreheads and offer them sweets. In Gujarat, on the other hand, the festival is celebrated as Bhai Bij, and sisters offer brothers a special dish called Undhiyu. 

In Maharashtra, a square is drawn on the floor for the brother to sit in during Bhai Dooj. The sister prays for her brother's well-being and prosperity after applying tilak on his forehead, performing aarti for him, and even consuming a fruit known as "Karith."

West Bengal also celebrates Bhai Dooj with great gusto, with rituals and prayers similar to those in Maharashtra. As part of Bhai Phonta, sibling relationships are strengthened as the occasion brings siblings closer together. While waiting for her brother, the sister observes a fast throughout the day. 

In Bihar, Bhai Dooj is celebrated quite differently. Also known as Godhan Puja, the women here celebrate this festival in a community gathering. It is believed that if a person is too good and has never been abused by others, they are taken away by Yama. This is why the sisters hurl abuse at their brothers and then prick their tongues as a punishment and ask for forgiveness. In return, the brother forgives them, blesses them, and offers them gifts.

Know the Dates of Bhai Dooj 2024 and 2025

It's that time of year again! Bhai Dooj is just around the corner, and we can't wait to celebrate with our loved ones. We're already looking forward to next year's Bhai Dooj. The table below pertains to Bhai Dooj dates until 2025.