Yama Dvitiya or Yam Dwitiya is the last day of five-day Diwali celebrations. In 2025, Yama Dwitiya date is October 23. Yam Dwitiya is also called as Bhai Dhooj or Bhai Bij or Bhai Beej.
In South India, it is called as Yama Dwitiya. Legend of Yama Dwitiya is associated with the God of death – Yama Dharma Raj. He visit his sister Yamis home on this day.
In North India, it is widely celebrated as Bhai Dhooj. In Bengal this festival is celebrated as Bhai Phonta or Bhai Phota. Bhai Tika is the other name of this festival in Nepal.
Significance and Legends
The festival commemorates the visit of Yamraj, the god of death, to his sister Yamuna. According to legend, Yamuna welcomed Yamraj with garlands and offered him a feast. This act of love led to Yamraj granting a boon that any brother who receives a tilak (a ceremonial mark) from his sister on this day would enjoy a long life and protection from misfortune. The day is celebrated with various names across India, including Bhai Dooj, Bhau Beej, and Bhai Phonta. It is particularly prominent in regions like Karnataka and Telangana in South India, while in North India, it is more commonly referred to as Bhai Dooj
Rituals and Celebrations
On Yama Dwitiya, sisters perform rituals for their brothers which include:
- Applying Tilak: Sisters apply a ceremonial mark on their brothers’ foreheads.
- Preparing Special Meals: Sisters cook their brothers’ favorite dishes and serve them by hand.
- Prayers for Longevity: Sisters pray for their brothers’ well-being and longevity during the rituals
The Aparahna Muhurat, considered the most auspicious time for the rituals, will be from 1:10 PM to 3:22 PM on November 3, 2024. The Dwitiya Tithi (lunar day) begins at 8:21 PM on November 2 and ends at 10:05 PM on November 3.
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