Bhai Dooj is one of the significant Hindu festivals celebrated in India that strengthens the sibling bond. ‘Bhai’ in the name of the festival stands for ‘brother’ while ‘Dooj’ stands for ‘second’. As per the Hindu calendar, the festival is celebrated on Dwitya Tithi meaning the second day after full moon. Very few people know that there are two Bhai Dooj in Hindu calendar. One is celebrated two days after Deepavali Puja while the other two days after Holi. In 2019, Holi Bhai Dooj falls on March 22.
Holi Bhai Dooj is one of the lesser known festivals of India and is equally important. The day is dedicated to brothers. On Holi Bhai Dooj, sisters offer prayers for their brother’s well-being, perform aarti and cook special meals. The puja thali comprises of sweets, fruits, paan, diya, kumkum, rice, batashas, and coconut. Sister applies tikka on brother’s forehead and presents him the sweets, fruits, and coconut from the thali. It is also said that taking a dip in the Yamuna River helps to protect the death of the sibling.
Tithi
Dwitiya tithi begins: 3:52 am on March 22
Dwitiya tithi ends: 00:55 am on March 23