Bhai Dooj 2025 – Festival of Sibling Love

Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhau Beej, Bhai Tika, or Yama Dwitiya, symbolizes the pure love and lifelong bond between brothers and sisters. This festival is observed on the Dwitiya Tithi of Shukla Paksha in Kartik month, just two days after Diwali.

In 2025, Bhai Dooj will be celebrated on Thursday, October 23, 2025. It is believed that on this day, performing the Bhai Dooj tilak ceremony and following traditional rituals bring protection, prosperity, and good fortune to brothers.

The Mythological Origin – Bhai Dooj Katha

According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Yama once visited his sister Yamuna after a long time. Delighted, Yamuna welcomed him warmly, applied a tilak of sandal and rice on his forehead, performed aarti, and served him a delicious meal.

Impressed by his sister’s affection, Yama blessed Yamuna, declaring that every brother who receives tilak from his sister on this auspicious day will be blessed with long life, happiness, and protection from evil. Since then, this day has been celebrated as Yama Dwitiya, symbolizing love, care, and protection between siblings.

Bhai Dooj Puja Vidhi 

To celebrate Bhai Dooj in a traditional and spiritual manner, follow these steps:

• Both brother and sister should take a bath early in the morning and wear clean clothes.

• Prepare a puja thali with roli, chawal, diya, kalash, sweets, and flowers.

• The sister applies tilak on her brother’s forehead and performs the aarti.

• Offer sweets and recite prayers for the brother’s long life and prosperity.

• Brothers give gifts or money to their sisters as a token of love and appreciation.

This sweet exchange strengthens the emotional connection and reaffirms mutual respect.

Bhai Dooj Muhurat 2025

Bhai Dooj Date: Thursday, 23 October 2025
Dwitiya Tithi Begins: 22 October 2025 – 11:40 PM
Dwitiya Tithi Ends: 23 October 2025 – 09:55 PM
Tilak Muhurat (Auspicious Time): 10:00 AM to 02:00 PM (approx.)

Performing the Tika ceremony within this muhurat ensures auspicious results.

Ritual Foods and Traditional Offerings

On Bhai Dooj, special sweets like kheer, laddoo, peda, and puri-sabzi are prepared. Some families make dishes that the brother likes most. In many regions, coconut and betel leaves are also offered to the brother during tilak.

This festival not only represents love but also the unity of families and the importance of sibling care in Indian tradition.

Cultural Celebrations Across India

• In Maharashtra, it is called Bhau Beej, celebrated with love and exchange of gifts.

• In Nepal, it is known as Bhai Tika and observed with colorful tilak of five colors.

• In West Bengal, sisters invite their brothers for a grand feast known as Bhai Phonta.

Despite regional differences, the spirit of Bhai Dooj remains the same — unconditional love and protection between siblings.