Lucknow, Amrit Vichar: The festival of Bhai Dooj is celebrated every year on the second date of Shukla Paksha of Kartik month. According to the calendar this year, the festival of Bhai Dooj will be celebrated on 3 November. Bhai Dooj is also known as Yama Dwitiya. Because on this day sisters worship Lord Yama for the long life of their brothers.
Why do we celebrate Bhai Dooj?
According to mythology, the importance of these days is linked to a legend. Lord Yamraj asked for a boon from his sister Yamuna to get the clean holy water of Yamuna river. Troubled by her brother’s worries, Yamuna gave special water to brother Yamraj as a boon. As a result of which Yamraj got freedom from anger. They become free from sorrow and distress. That is why Bhai Dooj is also called “Yam Dwitiya”, by the grace and blessings of Yamraj, on this day brothers get a happy life and they are free from anger, sorrow and distress.
Yamuna had also asked for a boon
After bathing, Yamuna worshiped Yamraj and fed him delicious dishes. Yamraj was very pleased with Yamuna’s hospitality and asked him to ask for any boon from his sister. After which Yamuna said, O Bhadra! You come to my house on this day every year and like me, any sister who treats her brother with full respect should never fear you. Hearing this, Yamraj said Amen, gave priceless clothes and jewelery to sister Yamuna and went back to Yamlok. Since then the tradition of celebrating Bhai Dooj on this day has been going on.
Auspicious time for Bhai Dooj puja-
According to Pandit Gomti Shankar of Lucknow, the second date will start on November 2 at 8:22 pm and will end on November 3 at 11:06 pm. In such a situation, the festival of Bhai Dooj will be celebrated on 3rd November. The best time to worship Bhai Dooj will be from 11:45 to 1:30 in the day. According to mythological beliefs, if sisters apply tilak on their brothers at the auspicious time, then the brothers have a long life. Also, there is happiness and prosperity in the lives of both of them. On the day of Bhai Dooj, sisters apply tilak on their brother and pray for his long life.
Bhai Dooj worship and Tilak method-
Sisters should do tilak on their brother by facing north-east direction and then should sweeten their mouth. Then their Aarti should be performed and coconut should be given. At the same time, brothers should give gifts to sisters, doing so is considered auspicious.
Also read: Lakshmi-Ganesh Pujan: What to do with the old idol after Diwali puja, know the complete method
