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Notes: All timings are represented in 12-hour notation in local time of Lancaster, United States with DST adjustment (if applicable).
Hours which are past midnight are suffixed with next day date. In Panchang day starts and ends with sunrise.
According to the Hindu Panchang, Bhai Dooj is celebrated on the Shukla Paksha Dwitiya Tithi of the Kartika month. On this auspicious occasion, sisters apply a ceremonial Tilak on their brothers' foreheads and pray for their long, happy and prosperous lives. In return, brothers express their love and appreciation by offering gifts to their sisters. Bhaiya Dooj is also known as Bhau Beej, Bhai Dooj, Bhatra Dwitiya, Bhai Dwitiya and Bhathru Dwithiya.
On the day of Bhai Dooj, sisters apply a Tilak on their brothers' foreheads and pray for their long life, happiness, prosperity and well-being. On this day, sisters take an early morning bath, take a vow to observe fast and invite their brothers to home. Sisters prepare a decorated Puja Thali, tie a sacred thread on their brother's wrist after applying Tilak and perform Aarti. After the rituals, sisters offer their brothers sweets and a festive meal with love and devotion. In return, brothers present their sisters with gifts such as clothes, money or other tokens of appreciation, according to their capacity.
Bhai Dooj is also called Yama Dwitiya, owing to the reunion of Yamaraja and His sister Goddess Yamuna on this day. Bathing in the Yamuna River holds special significance on Bhai Dooj, as it is believed to cleanse all sins and bring blessings of longevity and wealth. Scriptures state that those who bathe in sacred rivers on this day are spared from the torment of Yama's messengers at the time of death.
Religious texts highlight the spiritual merit and significance of the rituals performed on Bhai Dooj. It is said that a brother who visits his sister and receives a Tilak on this day is freed from the fear of Yama Loka and is blessed with a long life. For sisters, observing this fast brings good fortune, marital bliss and prosperity. Thus, Bhai Dooj is not just a celebration of familial bonds, but also a sacred ritual prescribed in Hindu scriptures. It's a beautiful expression of love, duty and affection between brothers and sisters. The festival is rooted in the ancient legend of Yama & Yamuna and their divine bond continues to inspire the celebration of Bhai Dooj with religious reverence and social enthusiasm to this day.
Yama Dwitiya Vrat Katha based on Lord Yama and Goddess Yamuna is described here. Goddess Yamuna was the very first to invite Her brother to home for a sumptuous meal. Thereafter, Lord Yama granted the boon that one who partakes of a meal at his sister's home on this day will be freed from the torments of Yamaloka.
On the day of Bhai Dooj, brothers go to their sister's house and eat food from their hands to seek good health and long life. According to beliefs, on this day Yamraj had food at His sister's home i.e. Goddess Yamuna and gave Her a boon.
The relationship between brothers and sisters is celebrated during Raksha Bandhan festival. It involves sisters tying a sacred thread around brothers' wrist. Raksha Bandhan Thread Ceremony Time is given on this page.
Yama Dwitiya is celebrated two days after Diwali festival. On this day, Yamraj, Chitragupta and Yamadutas are worshipped during Aparahna Kala after taking holy dip in Yamuna. Yama Dwitiya Aparahna Muhurat is given on this page.
Diwali is the five days festivity period which begins on Dhanteras and ends on Bhaiya Dooj. Diwali Puja Calendar is given on this page, through which you can get detailed information about the Diwali rituals and their auspicious timings.
