As the festival of Bhai Dooj approaches, celebrated two days after Diwali, sisters and brothers prepare to strengthen their bond through the auspicious ritual of applying tilak. Bhai Dooj, known by various names such as Bhai Tika, Bhaubeej, Bhai Phonta, or Bhratri Dwitiya, signifies the unique connection between siblings. This year, the celebration spans November 14 and 15, marking the conclusion of the five-day Diwali festivities.
The auspicious time for tilak application, or Bhai Dooj aparahna, is from 01:21 PM to 03:33 PM, lasting for 2 hours and 12 minutes. The Dwitiya tithi begins on November 14 at 02:36 PM and concludes on November 15 at 01:47 PM, according to Drik Panchang. Bhai Dooj is not just a celebration of the sibling bond but also carries the mythological significance of Goddess Yamuna feeding her brother Yamraj on Kartik Dwitiya, hence earning the name Yama Dwitiya.
The puja vidhi involves the sister facing northeast or east while applying tilak, and the brother facing north or northwest.