Bhai Dooj 2022: How is Bhai Dooj different from Raksha Bandhan? Know significance, rituals, times when they are celebrated

Both Raksha Bandhan and Bhai Dooj have different significance and mythological reasons for them.

As per Drik Panchang, Raksha Bandhan 2023 will be on Wednesday, August 30 whereas Bhai Dooj 2023 will be on Tuesday, November 14. Pic: Pixabay

Indian festivals light up the lives of people and bring a change to their monotonous lives. Raksha Bandhan and Bhai Dooj are festivals which celebrate the bond of a brother and sister. However, distinguishing between the both has been a tad bit difficult for people. Both Raksha Bandhan and Bhai Dooj have different significance and mythological reasons for them.

On the occasion of Bhai Dooj, here are a few differences between the two:

Raksha Bandhan and Bhai Dooj Rituals

Raksha Bandhan observes the ritual of tying the sacred thread called Rakhi on the wrist of the brother on the auspicious day.

The tying of Rakhi symbolises the promise of the brother to protect his sister from all evil forces, it is also believed that the thread protects the one who wears it.

On the other hand, during Bhai Dooj, sisters perform Tika ceremony wherein she puts tilak and akshat on their brother's forehead. With the tika sister vows to protect her brother.

Both days involve certain rituals like aarti for the brother with prayers of his long life, the brother is treated with traditional home delicacies and sweets. Also, brothers show their affection and appreciation and offer gifts to their sisters.

When is Raksha Bandhan and Bhai Dooj celebrated?

Raksha Bandhan is celebrated during full moon day or Purnima in Shravana month, the fifth lunar month in Hindu calendar whereas Bhai Dooj is celebrated on the second lunar day of Shukla Paksha in Hindu calendar month Kartik.

Bhai Dooj is also known as Bhau Beej, Bhatra Dwitiya, Bhai Dwitiya and Bhathru Dwithiya.

Story behind Raksha Bandhan

As per Drik Panchang, the origin of Rakhi is attributed to the most ancient legend of Goddess Indrani which narrates the power of sacred thread which when tied to Lord Indra, resulted in his victory over demons.

Story of Bhai Dooj

Once the God of Death, Yamaraj visited his sister Yami. She had put tilak on her brother's forehead and fed him special dishes on his visit. Impressed by the affection and love, Yamraj asked his sister for a boon. She wished for his visit every year, she asked any sister who does the rituals and applies the tilak shall not fear the god death.

Pleased, Yamraj granted the wish, since then the day is celebrated and is also known as Yama Dwitiya in the southern part of the country.

It is also believed that after killing demon Narakasura, Lord Krishna visited his sister Subhadra who welcomed him by applying a tilak on his forehead. Since then, the day is celebrated as Bhai Dooj.