Bhai Dooj: Auspicious muhurat after 1:10 PM, face north or northwest while applying the tilak

The festival of Bhai Dooj , celebrated on the second lunar day of the waxing phase of the Kartik month, falls this year on November 3. This year, there are three auspicious muhurats available after 1:10 PM.

There are two popular stories about Bhai Dooj. In the Satya Yuga, when Yam visited his sister Yamuna, she honored him with a tilak and fed him. Pleased with her hospitality, Yam granted her a boon. Yamuna asked that any sister who honors her brother with a tilak on this day would be free from fear of death. This tradition has continued ever since.
According to another legend, after Lord Krishna defeated the wicked demon Narakasura, he went to meet his sister Subhadra, who welcomed him warmly with sweets and flowers and affectionately applied a tilak on his forehead. It is said that since then, Bhai Dooj has been celebrated.

Significance of the Bhai Dooj Festival

The festival of Bhai Dooj, celebrated on the second lunar day of the waxing phase of Kartik, holds special importance, akin to Raksha Bandhan. On this day, sisters tie a thread of roli on their brother's wrist and apply a tilak on his forehead. Therefore, brothers should seek blessings from their sisters. After the tilak, sisters also present their brothers with a dry coconut (gola).

Procedure for Applying Tilak

On the auspicious day of Bhai Dooj, first worship Lord Ganesha. Then, sisters should prepare a plate with roli, rice (akshat), a dry coconut, and sweets for the tilak ceremony. Following the auspicious muhurat , the brother is then tilak-ed. It is considered good if sisters feed their brothers their favorite food on this day. Afterward, brothers should take blessings from their sisters and give them gifts.

Auspicious Muhurat for Bhai Dooj

First auspicious muhurat: From 1:10 PM to 3:22 PM.
Brahma muhurat: From 4:51 AM to 5:43 AM.
Vijay muhurat: From 1:54 PM to 2:38 PM.