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Get ready to celebrate the special bond between brothers and sisters on November 16 with Bhai Dooj! This Indian festival, also known as Bhai Phota or Bhau Beej, is a time to honor the love and affection shared between siblings. It is believed that on this day, Lord Krishna visited his sister Subhadra after defeating the evil demon Narakasura. Since then, this day has been celebrated with traditional rituals and customs such as applying tilak on the brother's forehead and exchanging gifts. So let's take some time to appreciate the unique relationship we have with our siblings and make this Bhai Dooj a memorable one!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1st Century AD</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Origins of Bhai Dooj</div><div class='timeline-text'>This ancient festival is traced back to the 1st Century AD, holding significant importance in Hindu scriptures related to sibling bonds and familial relationships.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1300s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Festival Gains Prominence</div><div class='timeline-text'>In the medieval period, the tradition of Bhai Dooj gained more prominence in northern and western parts of India, solidifying its place within Indian culture.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>British Observations</div><div class='timeline-text'>British observations and writings during the colonial period documented the celebration of Bhai Dooj, further understanding the deep-rooted cultural significances of the festival.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1950s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Modern Era Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>Post India's independence, the festival gained even more popularity as it was celebrated across the country promoting unity and familial love.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Celebration</div><div class='timeline-text'>With the Indian diaspora spread across the globe, Bhai Dooj began to be celebrated internationally, raising awareness of this significant Indian tradition.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2021</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Pandemic Era Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>Due to pandemic restrictions in many places, celebrations took a digital form, reinforcing the undying spirit of love and brotherhood amidst adversities.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Cook traditional dishes together</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather your family and cook traditional dishes together to celebrate this special festival. It's a great way to bond and pass down family recipes.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Exchange gifts with your siblings</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Bhai Dooj is all about celebrating the bond between siblings. Exchange gifts with your brothers and sisters to show your love and appreciation for each other.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a photo album of memories</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather old photographs and create a photo album of memories with your siblings. This is a great way to reminisce and relive special moments from your childhood together.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a Bhai Dooj celebration event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many communities organize Bhai Dooj celebrations with music, dance, and traditional rituals. Attend one of these events to experience the festive spirit and learn more about the significance of the festival.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a movie or TV show about sibling relationships</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spend a cozy evening with your siblings and watch a movie or TV show that celebrates the bond between siblings. It's a great way to relax and enjoy each other's company.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Bhai Dooj is a special day dedicated to celebrating the unique bond between brothers and sisters. It is a time to acknowledge the love, care, and support that siblings have for each other.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Promotes harmony and unity within families</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>On Bhai Dooj, families come together to celebrate and strengthen their relationships. This festival promotes unity and harmony within families, encouraging them to let go of any past conflicts or misunderstandings.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Honors the role of sisters in Indian culture</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Bhai Dooj is an important festival in Indian culture as it honors the role of sisters in the family. Sisters are seen as caretakers, protectors, and supporters of their brothers, and this day is a way to show gratitude and appreciation for their presence in our lives.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Regional Variations of Bhai Dooj</h3><p class='facts-content'>Bhai Dooj is celebrated in different ways and under various names across India, such as Bhau Beej in Maharashtra, Bhai Phota in Bengal, Yama Dwitiya in the south, and Ningol Chakuba in Manipur.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Bhai Dooj Rituals</h3><p class='facts-content'>The sister applies a tilak on her brother's forehead to keep him safe from harm. In return, the brother gives his sister a gift as a token of love. This ritual symbolizes the eternal bond between siblings.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Significance of Food in Bhai Dooj</h3><p class='facts-content'>In Bhai Dooj, sisters prepare their brother’s favourite foods, which are shared among family members. The act of cooking and sharing food is considered as an expression of love and respect between siblings.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Mythic Connection to Lord Yama</h3><p class='facts-content'>Besides Lord Krishna, another mythological story connects Bhai Dooj with Yamaraja (God of Death). It is believed that Yamaraja's sister, the river Yamuna, fed him on this day and blessed him. Since then, brothers visit their sisters on this day for their longevity and well-being.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Significance of the Moon in Bhai Dooj</h3><p class='facts-content'>The timings for Bhai Dooj rituals are governed by the lunar calendar. The ceremony takes place during the 'Dwitiya Tithi', which is the second day after the new moon, highlighting the importance of celestial bodies in Hindu customs.</p></div></div>
Bhai Dooj is celebrated on November 16 every year. In 2024 Bhai Dooj will occur on a Saturday.
2023
Nov 16
Thursday
2024
Nov 16
Saturday
2025
Nov 16
Sunday
2026
Nov 16
Monday
2027
Nov 16
Tuesday
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