New Delhi: Bhai Dooj or Bhai Phonta is a Hindu festival that celebrates the unique bond of love and friendship between a brother and a sister. On this day, sisters pray for their brothers’ health and long life, and the brothers vow to protect their sisters.

Legend says that when the God of death, Yamraj visited his sister Yamuna, she greeted her brother by applying tilak on his forehead. In return, Yamraj gave her a boon that whoever celebrates Bhai Dooj with their sister and then took a bath in river Yamuna would never ‘go to hell’.

There are various versions of mantras that are chanted during the ceremony.

Sanskrit:

Bhratus tabaa grajaataaham

Bhunksa bhaktamidam shuvam Preetaye yama raajasya

Yamunaah Visheshatah
 

Bengali:

Bhaier kopale dilam phonta,

Jomer duare porlo kanta,

Jamuna deye Jom’ke phonta,

Ami di amar bhai’ke phonta,

Bhai jeno hoy lohar vata


English translation:

I put a "phota" (tilak) on my brother's forehead

To make my brother immortal

Like "Yamuna" gives a "phota" to "Yam"

I give a "phota" to my brother

Brother may become tough as iron.
 

Bhai Dooj puja timings:

Bhai Dooj Tika or Tilak Muhurat - 1:09pm to 3:17pm

Duration - 2 hours 8 minutes

Dwitiya Tithi Begins - 9:07pm on 8th November 2018

Dwitiya Tithi Ends - 9:20pm on 9th November 2018