Mumbai: The five-day Diwali festival begins annually with Dhanteras and concludes with the celebration of Bhai Dooj, a festival dedicated to the love and bond between brothers and sisters. Bhai Dooj, falling this year on November 3, is marked by a special tilak ritual performed by sisters for their brothers, symbolising blessings, protection, and gratitude. As sisters apply the tilak on their brothers’ foreheads, brothers reciprocate with gifts and a promise of lifelong protection. While this year’s Diwali dates brought some confusion, devotees can follow the auspicious timing to celebrate Bhai Dooj with heartfelt rituals.

Also known as Yama Dwitiya in various regions, Bhai Dooj holds significance in Indian mythology, particularly in honouring the bond between Lord Yama, the God of Death, and his sister Yamuna. The celebration sees sisters preparing a ceremonial plate (thali) with sacred items for the tilak and blessings. For those observing the ritual this year, here’s a detailed guide on how to prepare for Bhai Dooj, including the necessary items, auspicious timing, and step-by-step instructions to perform the tilak for your brother.

Bhai Dooj 2024 Shubh Muhurat

According to the Hindu calendar, the auspicious Kartik month’s Shukla Paksha Dwitiya Tithi begins at 8:21 pm on November 2 and ends at 7:52 pm on November 3. This means Bhai Dooj will be celebrated on November 3. Here’s the most auspicious time for the rituals:

Bhai Dooj Tilak Samagri List

Prepare your ceremonial thali with these items, each symbolising protection, prosperity, and blessings for the ritual:

How to Perform the Bhai Dooj Tilak Ceremony

Follow these steps to perform the Bhai Dooj tilak ceremony and bless your brother with prosperity and long life:

• Both brother and sister should wake up early, bathe, and wear clean clothes.
• Arrange fruits, flowers, sweets, rice grains, roli, and vermillion in the thali.
• Make your brother sit on a small stool (chauki) facing east for the ritual.
• Tie a red scarf on your brother’s head as a mark of respect and protection.
• Hand a dry coconut to your brother, symbolising strength.
• Dip your ring finger in sandalwood paste and apply a tilak on your brother’s forehead.
• You may also tie a red thread on his wrist for protection.
• Sprinkle a few rice grains over the tilak to complete the ritual.
• Feed your brother sweets as a mark of love and prosperity.
• Perform an aarti for your brother, wishing him a long, healthy life.
• After the tilak, the brother presents a gift to his sister as a token of love.
• Conclude the ceremony with the brother promising to protect his sister.

Bhai Dooj is a cherished tradition that strengthens the sibling bond, blessing brothers with protection and a long life while sisters receive heartfelt gifts and promises. This celebration embodies the timeless connection between siblings, offering a day for expressions of love, care, and blessings. May this Bhai Dooj bring happiness and prosperity to all brothers and sisters.

(Disclaimer: The information provided is based on traditional beliefs and religious texts. News9 Live does not independently verify the religious significance of these rituals.)