Bhai Dooj 2025 is the final grand celebration of the five-day-long Diwali festival, honouring the strong relationship between brothers and sisters. Alternatively referred to as Bhai Tika, Bhaubeej, Bhai Beej, Bhai Phonta, or Bhratri Dwitiya, this festival is an indication of love, protection, and eternal blessings among siblings.
When is Bhai Dooj 2025?
This year, Bhai Dooj is on October 23, 2025, as per the Hindu calendar. The Dwitiya Tithi starts on October 22 at 8:16 pm and lasts up to October 23 at 10:46 pm. The best time for sisters to put a tilak on their brothers' foreheads is during the Aparahna, from 1:13 pm to 3:28 pm, although timings are slightly different all over India.
What is the significance behind Bhai Dooj?
The festival has its roots in several myths. One such common myth is that of Lord Krishna and his sister Subhadra. Subhadra welcomed Lord Krishna with sweets, flowers, and a tilak on his forehead when he visited her after killing the demon Narakasura-a sign of love and protection.
There is another commonly known myth associated with Yamuna and her brother Yama, the God of Death. On Dwitiya Tithi of the Kartik month, Yamuna invited Yama to her house, put tilak on him, and made preparations for a grand feast. Delighted, Yama vowed to bestow long life upon brothers receiving tilak from their sisters. Siblings bathing in the Yamuna River on this day escape misfortune, which is the reason that Bhai Dooj is also referred to as Yama Dwitiya.
How is Bhai Dooj celebrated?
On this day, brothers are offered aarti and a red tilak on the forehead by their sisters, wishing them health, happiness, and prosperity. A sumptuous meal consisting of the favourite dishes of the brother and sweets is offered. Brothers, in turn, bless their sisters and present gifts or money as an expression of love and protection. Regional traditions can be different, particularly in Bihar and north India, but the spirit is the same: to celebrate sibling love and eternal bonds.
This Bhai Dooj 2025, take a moment to revere your sibling bond, exchange laughter, gifts, and a meal, and reinforce the holy bond that only gets stronger with age.
