Holi Bhai Dooj 2024: Date, timing, history, significance and everything you need to know
Scroll down to learn more about Holi Bhai Dooj, a festival celebrated immediately after Holi in most parts of Uttar Pradesh. Hindus view this festival as an opportunity to strengthen their bonds with one another. According to the Hindu calendar, Holi Bhai Dooj is observed on the second day or Dwitiya Tithi. While it may not be as widely recognized as other festivals, Holi Bhai Dooj holds significance in certain regions. Observing the Dwitiya Tithi is essential for celebrating this occasion, which typically falls the day after Rangawali Holi or the subsequent day after Holika Dahan. On Holi Bhai Dooj, sisters prepare special meals, conduct aarti, and offer prayers for the well-being of their brothers. The puja thali often includes sweets, fruits, rice, batashas, coconut, diya, kumkum, and paan.
History
Holi Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhratri Dwitiya, has its roots in Hindu mythology and tradition. The festival is celebrated on the Dwitiya Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Chaitra, which typically falls the day after Holi.
The history of Holi Bhai Dooj revolves around the bond between brothers and sisters. According to legend, Lord Krishna, after killing the demon king Narakasura, visited his sister Subhadra. Subhadra welcomed her brother with tilak, flowers, and sweets, and performed aarti to celebrate his victory. Lord Krishna, in return, blessed his sister and bestowed gifts upon her.
This gesture of love and affection between Lord Krishna and Subhadra is believed to be the origin of the tradition of celebrating Holi Bhai Dooj. It symbolizes the strong bond of love and protection between siblings, where sisters pray for the well-being and prosperity of their brothers, and brothers promise to protect and support their sisters.
Over time, Holi Bhai Dooj has become an integral part of Hindu culture, celebrated with joy and enthusiasm across various regions of India. It serves as a reminder of the importance of familial bonds and the love shared between siblings.
Holi Bhai Dooj 2024 date and time
This year the significant festival of Holi Bhai Dooj will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. The auspicious timings are as follows:
Dwitiya Tithi Begins – 02:55 PM, March 26, 2024
Dwitiya Tithi Ends – 05:06 PM, March 27, 2024
Significance of Holi Bhai Dooj
During Holi Bhai Dooj, which holds religious significance for Hindus, the bond between brothers and sisters is reinforced. This festival is observed on Dwitiya Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Chaitra, typically the day after Holi. Also known as Bhratri Dwitiya, it is eagerly awaited in many regions, occurring after Rangwali Holi or the day after Holi Dahan.
Despite their busy schedules, siblings prioritize spending time together during this occasion. Sisters apply tilak on their brothers’ foreheads and perform aartis, praying for their well-being. In return, brothers bless their sisters and also pray for their welfare.
