Holi Bhai Dooj 2023 Date

Bhai Dooj, one of the important Hindu festivals, strengthens the bond of affection between brothers and sisters. The name has "Dooj" word which means the second one. Here it means the festival is observed on second day i.e. Krishna Paksh Dwitiya Tithi of Chaitra month as per Hindu calendar.

Bhai Dooj is also known as Bhratri Dwitiya. Two Bhai Dooj festivals are observed in Hindu calendar, one in the month of Chaitra and another in the month of Kartika. One is the Holi Bhai Dooj which comes up after one or two days of Holi festival and the other one, which is more popular, is observed two days after Deepavali Puja and it's also known as Bhai Dooj.

Holi Bhai Dooj, which is quite popular in some regions, is less known festival. Holy books such as Dharma Sindhu, Nirnaya Sindhu and Vratraj also do not mention about Holi Bhai Dooj. You must note that Holi Bhai Dooj should be observed when Dwitiya Tithi prevails. Thus depending on Holika Dahan day, it might fall either next day or on second day after Rangwali Holi.

Significance of Holi Bhai Dooj

Holi Bhai Dooj is dedicated to the bond of brothers and sisters. Brothers visit their sister's home, sisters apply tilak, pray for the long life of their brothers, do puja together and celebrate their bond. Brothers return the favour by bringing gifts for the sisters. Sisters pray for the well-being of their brothers and follow the rituals which are believed to be started by Goddess Yamuna. After puja, brothers and sisters enjoy the feast together.

The Bhai Dooj ritual was started by Goddess Yamuna, the daughter of Surya God. It is said that her brother Lord Yama could never visit her home as his work kept him occupied always. He always used to politely decline Yami's invitation. However, one day, he surprised Yami by visiting her house and granted her a wish. Yamuna, who was delighted to meet her brother, asked him to bless the brothers with a long life on the day of Bhai Dooj. She also asked him to bless all the devotees who would take a bath in her holy waters. Hence, if the brother and the sister take a dip in the holy river of Yamuna on this day, they get a better life with fewer troubles. Thus, this day is very important in Hindu traditions.

Holi Bhai Dooj 2023 Date & Time