Bhai Dooj 2018: Puja Timings, Vidhi and significance

New Delhi: Soon after the Diwali festivity, another revered festival Bhai Dooj is here. Also known as Bhau-Beej/Bhai Tika/Bhai Phota in several parts, the day is observed on the second day of the bright fortnight or Shukla Paksha of the Hindu lunar month of Kartika.

This day is quite similar to Raksha Bandhan where sisters pray for their brothers long and happy life. There is a traditional 'tika' ceremony which is customary on this day. In the southern part of the country, the day is celebrated as Yama Dwitiya.

This year Bhai Dooj is being celebrated on November 9.

Bhai Dooj Tika Time:

Bhai Dooj Tika Muhurat = 13:08 to 15:17

Dwitiya Tithi Begins = 21:07 on 8/Nov/2018
Dwitiya Tithi Ends = 21:20 on 9/Nov/2018

On Bhai Dooj, sisters invite their brothers for a good meal. The festival basically highlights the strong bond between siblings where the brother pledges to protect his sisters. Sisters perform aarti for their brother and apply a red tika on the brother's forehead praying for the latter's long and prosperous life.

The brothers then present some gifts to the sister after the Tika ceremony.

However in Haryana and Maharashtra, women, who do not have a brother worship the moon god instead. Girls apply Mehendi and the day is marked with full fervour.