Bhai Dooj, celebrated on 3rd November 2024, marks the final day of the five-day Diwali festival. This special occasion honours the unique bond between brothers and sisters, emphasising love, protection, and familial ties. The auspicious Bhai Dooj Muhurat in UK is from 12:41 PM to 2:35 PM, a time considered ideal for performing the rituals. Many siblings take this opportunity to express their affection through thoughtful gestures, gifts, and sweets, reinforcing the importance of their relationship.
Bhai Dooj holds deep cultural significance in Hindu tradition. The day is rooted in the belief that a sister's prayers for her brother's well-being and longevity are auspicious. According to folklore, it is said that Lord Yama, the God of Death, visited his sister Yami on this day. She prepared a feast for him and, in turn, Yama granted her the boon that brothers who visit their sisters on Bhai Dooj would be blessed with long lives. This story beautifully encapsulates the spirit of the festival—celebrating the unconditional love and bond between siblings.
While both Raksha Bandhan and Bhai Dooj celebrate the bond between siblings, they have distinct significance and rituals.
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in the month of Shravan, typically in August. It signifies the protection that a brother provides to his sister. On this day, sisters tie a protective thread (rakhi) around their brothers' wrists and pray for their well-being, while brothers promise to protect and support their sisters.
Bhai Dooj, celebrated a few days later during the Diwali festival, focuses more on the special relationship between brothers and sisters. Unlike Raksha Bandhan, which is more about protection, Bhai Dooj emphasizes love, care, and the bond shared between siblings. Sisters pray for their brothers' long life and prosperity, and brothers, in return, often gift their sisters as a gesture of appreciation.
For Londoners, Bhai Dooj is an opportunity to come together and celebrate with family and friends. Here are some ideas for observing this special day:
Gift Exchange: Siblings often exchange gifts as a symbol of their bond. Consider thoughtful presents such as personalised items, sweets, or even handmade crafts to show your appreciation. Gifts can range from traditional sweets like ladoos and barfis to more contemporary choices like books or gadgets that reflect each other’s interests.
Family Gatherings: Organise a small family get-together to celebrate the day. Whether it’s a meal at home or a picnic in one of London’s many parks, spending quality time together is what matters most. Prepare a special feast that includes favourite family recipes, making the day even more memorable.
Festive Picnics: Take advantage of the beautiful autumn weather and enjoy a festive picnic at a local park. Bring along traditional sweets and savoury snacks to share, creating a joyful atmosphere while celebrating your sibling bond. Parks like Hyde Park or Regent's Park offer beautiful spots for a family outing.
Traditional Rituals: On Bhai Dooj, sisters often perform a 'tilak' ceremony, applying a red mark on their brothers’ foreheads while offering prayers for their well-being. This ritual symbolises protection and love. In return, brothers typically promise to protect their sisters and may also give gifts as a gesture of appreciation.
City | Date | Bhai Dooj Muhurat Time |
---|---|---|
London | Sunday, 3rd November 2024 | 12:41 to 14:35 |
Leicester | Sunday, 3rd November 2024 | 12:44 to 14:37 |
Birmingham | Sunday, 3rd November 2024 | 12:47 to 14:40 |
Wolverhampton | Sunday, 3rd November 2024 | 12:48 to 14:41 |
Coventry | Sunday, 3rd November 2024 | 12:46 to 14:39 |
Slough | Sunday, 3rd November 2024 | 12:43 to 14:37 |
Data source: DrikPanchang
In addition to private family celebrations, various temples and community centres in London organise events to commemorate Bhai Dooj. These gatherings can include prayers, cultural performances, and communal meals, allowing families to come together and celebrate in a larger community setting. Participating in such events can deepen your connection with the community and offer a chance to meet new people.
Bhai Dooj is also a time for charity and kindness. Many Londoners choose to volunteer their time or donate to local causes during this period. Consider supporting charities that resonate with you and your family, reinforcing the spirit of togetherness and compassion. Whether it’s donating to food banks, participating in community service projects, or supporting children's charities, your contributions can make a difference.
As we celebrate Bhai Dooj on 3 November 2024, let’s cherish the bonds we share with our siblings. Whether through gift exchanges, family gatherings, or acts of kindness, this day serves as a beautiful reminder of the love and support that define these relationships. Embrace the spirit of Bhai Dooj and make lasting memories with your loved ones.
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, taking the time to acknowledge and celebrate these bonds can strengthen family ties and create a sense of belonging. So, gather your siblings, engage in heartfelt conversations, and enjoy the festivities together. Wishing everyone a joyous and blessed Bhai Dooj!
Ahoi Ashtami, a revered festival for mothers, will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. This festival holds special significance for women who fast for the health and wellbeing of their children. Traditionally observed for sons, the modern-day observance includes prayers for the wellbeing of both sons and daughters. The fast is broken during twilight after sighting the stars in the sky, which will occur at 18:24 in London on this day. For those who follow the custom of breaking the fast after moonrise, the moon will rise at 22:14 on Ahoi Ashtami.
Akshaya Navami 2024 in the UK falls on Sunday, November 10. Observed during the Kartik month, this auspicious day marks the beginning of Satya Yuga, known as Satya Yugadi. In London, the Purvahna time for Akshaya Navami is 07:11 to 11:44, with Navami Tithi starting at 17:15 on November 9 and ending at 15:31 on November 10.
In 2024, Pausha Amavasya will be observed on Monday, 30th December, marking the new moon day in the Pausha month of the Hindu calendar. The Amavasya Tithi begins at 22:31 on 29th December 2024 and ends at 22:26 on 30th December 2024. This day is significant in Hindu tradition, particularly for performing rituals related to Shraddha, worshipping ancestors, and offering prayers for their peace and blessings. Many devotees also observe Kalasarpa Dosha puja on this day to eliminate any doshas related to the placement of planets in their horoscope.
Banada Ashtami 2025 will be observed on 7th January (Tuesday) in London. The Ashtami Tithi begins at 12:53 PM on 6th January and ends at 10:56 AM on 7th January. This marks the start of Shakambhari Navratri, which concludes on 13th January.
Basant Panchami, also known as Vasant Panchami, will be celebrated on Sunday, 2nd February 2025. This joyous festival marks the beginning of spring and is an important occasion for Hindus in the UK and worldwide. It is particularly dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, music, and the arts. Basant Panchami holds special significance for the Indian diaspora in the UK, where temples and cultural organisations commemorate it with devotion and community activities.
Bhai Dooj, celebrated on 3rd November 2024, marks the final day of the five-day Diwali festival. This special occasion honours the unique bond between brothers and sisters, emphasising love, protection, and familial ties. The auspicious Bhai Dooj Muhurat in UK is from 12:41 PM to 2:35 PM, a time considered ideal for performing the rituals. Many siblings take this opportunity to express their affection through thoughtful gestures, gifts, and sweets, reinforcing the importance of their relationship.
Bhai Dooj 2025 will be observed on Thursday, October 23, 2025 in London, United Kingdom. This significant festival, also known as Yama Dwitiya, celebrates the special bond between brothers and sisters. Bhai Dooj date and time 2025 will fall within the Dwitiya Tithi, which begins at 15:46 on October 22, 2025, and ends at 18:16 on October 23, 2025 (London time). Sisters perform the Tika ceremony, praying for their brothers' long and happy lives, while brothers reciprocate by gifting presents to their sisters. This festival is widely celebrated across India and has various regional names, including Bhau Beej, Bhatra Dwitiya, and Bhai Dwitiya.
Chaitra Navratri, one of the most auspicious Hindu festivals, will be celebrated in 2025 from March 30th to April 6th. This nine-day festival marks the beginning of the Hindu lunar new year and holds great importance in Hindu traditions. Known also as Vasanta Navratri due to its connection to the spring season, it is a time to worship Goddess Durga and her nine forms, each representing different aspects of divine power.
Chhath Puja, a significant Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God (Surya Dev), will be celebrated in 2024 on Thursday, 7th November. This four-day festival is especially popular among people from Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh, and has found a home within the Hindu community in the UK. Celebrating Chhath Puja in the UK is a beautiful way for devotees to stay connected with their roots while honouring the Sun God for prosperity, well-being, and happiness.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti is on March 17, 2025 (Monday), celebrated in London to honor the 395th birth anniversary of the great Maratha warrior and king, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This day commemorates his remarkable legacy of bravery, leadership, and his role in establishing the Maratha Empire. The day marks the Tritiya Tithi of the Phalguna month according to the Hindu calendar, and celebrations include prayers, processions, and various cultural events to pay tribute to his valor and contributions.