Bhagini Hasta Bhojanam is a popular ritual observed in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu on Yama Dwitiya (Bhatru Ditya) during the last day of Diwali festival. In 2023, Bhagini Hasta Bhojanam date is November 15.
It marks the end of five-day Deepavali festival. Bhagini means sister and Hasta bhojanam means to take meals cooked by sister. This day is celebrated as Bhai Dooj or Bhau Beej in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and other North Indian states, and as Bhai Phonta in Bengal and Assam and as Bhai Tika in Nepal.
Yama Dwitiya Bhani Hasta Bhojanam festival is intended for togetherness of the families – sisters’ and brothers’ families.
On this day, sisters offer meals with special recipes to brothers and in return brothers offer gold, clothes, and other material that are symbols of long-lasting sindhur. It is believed on this day; Lord Yama visits his sister Yamuna and eats meals at her abode.
Yama Puja is also an auspicious ritual to perform on Yama Dwitiya. Sodari Tritya is observed on the next day.
In 2023, Bhagini Hasta Bhojana date is October 27.
In 2021, Bhagini Hasta Bhojanam date is November 6.
In 2020, Bhagini Hasta Bhojanam date is November 16.
In 2019, Bhagini Hasta Bhojanam date is October 29.
In 2018, Bhagini Hasta Bhojanam date is November 9.
In 2017, Bhagini Hasta Bhojanam date was October 21.
In 2016, Bhagini Hasta Bhojanam date was November 1.
In 2015, Bhagini Hasta Bhojanam date was November 13.
In 2014, Bhagini Hasta Bhojanam date was October 25.
In 2013, Bhagini Hasta Bhojanam date was November 5.
Bhagini Hasta Bhojanam 2012 date was November 15.