The festival of lights is on and the day of siblings is also here. The fifth and the final day of the five-day-long Diwali festival is celebrated as Bhai Dooj. On this day, the bittersweet relationship between brothers and sisters is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Bhai Dooj is celebrated on the second Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the Kartika month of the Hindu calendar and this year, Bhai Tika 2021 falls on 6th November.
Also Read | Bhai Dooj, Bhai Tika 2021: Wishes and messages to send your dear brother/s
Bhai Dooj/Bhai Tika/Bhai Phota 2021: Shubh Mahurat
According to drikpanchang.com, Bhai Dooj Aparahna Time – 01:10 PM to 03:21 PM
Duration – 02 Hours 11 Mins
Dwitiya Tithi Begins – 11:14 PM on Nov 05, 2021
Dwitiya Tithi Ends – 07:44 PM on Nov 06, 2021
Bhai Dooj/Bhai Tika/Bhai Phota: Rituals
As per the rituals, sisters start their day by preparing a ‘chauk’ using rice paste. They also prepare a thali with materials needed for the puja. Vermillion, rice, oil lamp, kajal, and sweets are some basic things needed for the puja. Some also keep pumpkin flowers, betel nut, and a silver coin on their hands and pour some water on them. Following this, sisters put ‘Tilak’ on their brother’s forehead. Brothers and sisters share sweets with each other and gifts are exchanged.
Also Read | Bhai Dooj/Bhai Tika/Bhai Phota 2021: Wishes, messages for your sister/s
Bhai Dooj/Bhai Tika/Bhai Phota: Mantra
Mantra in Hindi:
गंगा पूजा यमुना को, यमी पूजे यमराज को. सुभद्रा पूजे कृष्ण को गंगा यमुना नीर बहे मेरे भाई आप बढ़ें फूले फलें.
English: ganga pooja yamuna ko, yamee pooje yamaraaj ko. subhadra pooje krshn ko ganga yamuna neer bahe mere bhaee aap badhen phoole phalen.
Mantra in Bengali:
ভাইয়ের কাপলে দিলাম ফোনটা,
জামের দুয়ারে পরলো কান্ত,
যমুনা দা জোমকে ফোনটা,
আমি দি আমার ভাইকে ফোনটা,
ভাই জেনো হয় লোহার কথা
“Bhaier kapale dilam phonta,
Jamer Duare porlo kanta,
Jamuna Dae Jomke phonta,
Ami di amar bhaike phonta,
Bhai jeno hoy lohar vata.”
English Translation:
I put a “phota” on my brother’s forehead,
To make my brother immortal “Yamuna” gives a “phota” to “Yam”,
I give a “phota” to my brother Brother, may become tough as iron.
Mantra in Sanskrit
“Bhratus tabaa grajaataaham,
Bhunksa bhaktamidam shuvam
Preetaye yama raajasya
Yamunaah Visheshatah”
Translation in English:
I’m your sister,
Eat this sacred rice,
For the pleasure of
“Yam Raj” and “Yamuna”
Origin and significance of Bhai Dooj/Bhai Tika/Bhai Phota:
There are various stories associated with the origin of the Bhai Dooj celebration. According to some legends, Yamuna, sister of the god of death, Yamaraj called her brother multiple times but Yamaraj couldn’t visit her. When he finally arrived, Yamuna became extremely happy and applied a ceremonial tilak on his head and prepared various delectable dishes for her beloved brother. Yamaraj loved the hospitality and felt deeply loved and respected. He asked his sister to ask for a boon. The Yamuna asked Yamaraj to dedicate a day for himself to visit her every year. Hence, the Bhai Dooj festival started when every brother visits their sisters’ house.
Other legends say that Lord Krishna went to his sister Subhadra’s house after killing Narakasura. Subhadra welcomed him by performing aarti, putting tilak on his forehead and offering flowers and scrumptious food. This is when the Bhai Dooj festival started.
On this auspicious occasion, sisters pray for the well-being of their brothers, and in return, brothers promise to always protect their sisters.
Also read: Govardhan Puja 2021: Significance, Mahurat, Rituals, and wishes to share
