The Hindu festival of Bhai Dooj that marks the strengthening of the bond between a brother and sister is celebrated with fervour every year across the community.
Also known as Bhau Beej, Yama Dwitiya, Bhatra Dwitiya, Bhai Dwitiya, and Bhatru Dwitiya, this day is very similar to Raakhi. Brothers on this day vow to protect, cherish their sisters who in turn pray for their brothers' long and healthy lives.
But just like the Diwali date, there has been some confusion over the day for Bhai Dooj as well this year! The correct date is October 23, Thursday and Drik Panchang also says that falls on the second lunar day of Shukla Paksha in the Kartika month, just after Diwali.
Sisters often observe a fast on this day till they have offered pooja and performed the rituals associated with the celebration.
The shubh muhurat of the day involves sisters applying tilak on their brother's forehead, perform aarti, and offer sweets and food to their brothers.
This year the Bhai Dooj Aparahna Time begins at 12:40 PM and ends at 2:59 PM
The tilak muhurat is from 1:13 PM to 3:28 PM.
Gifts are also exchanged between the siblings, clothes, sweets and money or similar gifts.
There is also a mythological story associated with Bhai Dooj, also known as Yama Dwitiya. It marks the legend of Lord of Death Yamaraj and his sister Yamuna.
Legend has it that Yamraj, visiting his sister Yamuna, who made him a feast and prayed for his well-being. Returning the favour and the good deed, Yamraj blessed her, stating that brothers who receive a meal from their sisters on this day will be blessed with a long and prosperous life