Diwali Bhai Dooj is one of the most prominent festivals celebrated in India. It symbolises the love and bonding between brothers and sisters. Bhai Dooj is celebrated two days after Diwali, on the second lunar day of Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) in the Hindu calendar month of Kartika. As per the Gregorian calendar, the date for Diwali Bhai Dooj 2023 is predicted to fall in October or November.
In this blog, we will provide detailed information on the Diwali Bhai Dooj 2023 date for various Indian cities and states. We will also discuss the significance of this festival, the rituals performed, and how the date is determined according to the Hindu lunar calendar. Read on to understand everything about the 2023 calendar date for celebrating Bhai Dooj in India.
Diwali Bhai Dooj 2023 Predicted Dates for Major Indian Cities
As per astronomical calculations and the Hindu Panchang, the predicted date for Diwali Bhai Dooj 2023 in major Indian cities is as follows:
- New Delhi - November 15, 2023 (Wednesday)
- Mumbai - November 15, 2023 (Wednesday)
- Kolkata - November 15, 2023 (Wednesday)
- Chennai - November 15, 2023 (Wednesday)
- Bengaluru - November 15, 2023 (Wednesday)
- Hyderabad - November 15, 2023 (Wednesday)
- Lucknow - November 15, 2023 (Wednesday)
The festivities for Diwali Bhai Dooj are predicted to start after sunset on November 15, 2023 and continue through November 15 in these cities. However, these dates are only a forecast right now. The exact dates will be confirmed closer to the festival in 2023 once the Hindu Panchang calendar is finalized. Government holiday dates will also be officially declared next year.
Significance of Diwali Bhai Dooj
Diwali Bhai Dooj holds great significance in Hinduism. It celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters which is considered extremely sacred. The festival gets its name from the ritual of sisters doing ‘tilak’ on the forehead of their brothers and praying for their long life and well-being.
Brothers also give gifts to their sisters as a token of their love. The day emphasizes the importance of family ties. Sisters invite their brothers to their homes on Bhai Dooj to perform the rituals together. Those who cannot meet, do a virtual celebration.
Determining Diwali Bhai Dooj Date as per Hindu Panchang
The precise date of Bhai Dooj is calculated based on the Hindu lunar calendar. It falls on the second lunar day (Dwitiya) of the Shukla Paksha (bright phase of the moon) in the Hindu calendar month of Kartika.
Kartika month has 30 lunar days and generally overlaps with October-November per the Gregorian calendar. Diwali is celebrated on the Amavasya (new moon night) in Kartika while Bhai Dooj comes two days after on Dwitiya.
The dates may shift if Kartika month starts late and spills into November. Government holidays are decided based on the finalized Hindu Panchang dates.
Popular Bhai Dooj Rituals and Celebrations
Here are the main rituals associated with Diwali Bhai Dooj:
- Sisters wake up early to bathe and prepare food and sweets for their brothers. Traditional dishes like puri chole and sweets are made.
- Brothers visiting their sister's home or virtually connecting with them on Bhai Dooj.
- Sisters performing the Bhai Dooj tilak ceremony - applying tilak or vermillion on their brother's forehead and doing aarti.
- Sisters offering prayers for their brother's prosperity and wellbeing.
- Brothers giving gifts and money to their sisters as a token of love.
- Families getting together and enjoying feasts and festivities.
- Exchanging heartfelt wishes between siblings.
In parts of India, Bhai Dooj is also known by other names like Bhau Beej, Bhathru Dwithiya, Bhai Tika, or Bhai Phonta. The essence of honoring the sibling bond remains the same.
Diwali Bhai Dooj 2023 - Importance of Celebrating with Family
In today's busy world, festivals like Bhai Dooj serve as an opportunity to renew family ties. No matter how far siblings are, they try to come together on this day to celebrate their special bond rooted in tradition.
With urbanisation taking people to different cities and countries, Bhai Dooj brings a chance to reinforce relationships. Brothers visit or send loving gifts for their sisters. bonding through fun rituals and showing affection for each other.
Diwali Bhai Dooj infuses positivity into families and keeps alive the eternal sibling love that forms the bedrock of Indian society. The celebrations carry spiritual and emotional significance.
Conclusion
Diwali Bhai Dooj 2023 is predicted to be celebrated on November 15 in most parts of India. The final date will be confirmed when the Hindu calendars are released next year. This meaningful festival emphasises devotion between brothers and sisters.
The traditional rituals, exchange of gifts and family time reinforce relationships in today's fragmented world. Diwali Bhai Dooj is the perfect embodiment of the Indian family system and its values.
FAQs
When is Diwali Bhai Dooj in 2023?
Diwali Bhai Dooj in 2023 is predicted to be celebrated on November 15 (Wednesday) as per initial forecasts. The exact date will be confirmed early next year based on the released Hindu lunar calendars.
How is the Bhai Dooj date determined?
The Bhai Dooj date is set based on the Hindu lunar calendar. It falls on the second day (Dwitiya) of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the Hindu month Kartika. This is two days after Diwali Amavasya.
Is Bhai Dooj a public holiday?
Yes, Diwali Bhai Dooj is a public holiday in many parts of India, especially in the North. Banks and government institutions remain closed on this day. Private organisations may also observe a holiday at this festival.
