Bhai Dooj, celebrated two days after Diwali, is a significant festival that honors the sacred and unbreakable bond between brothers and sisters. In 2025, this joyous occasion will be observed on October 23 across India, while on this day, sisters perform rituals and pray for the long life, prosperity, and well-being of their brothers, while brothers, in turn, offer protection and blessings to their sisters. It isn't merely a ritual but a celebration of affection, trust, and family unity, while
Significance and Traditions of Bhai Dooj
The festival of Bhai Dooj is imbued with sentiments of love, protection, and responsibility. Sisters invite their brothers to their homes, where they lovingly apply vermilion (tilak) on their foreheads, perform aarti, and offer sweets, while in return, brothers bestow blessings upon their sisters and present them with gifts according to their means, wishing them happiness and prosperity. This occasion serves as a profound symbol of emotional connection and strengthens family ties.
When is Bhai Dooj 2025, while
This year, the auspicious festival of Bhai Dooj will be celebrated on Thursday, October 23, 2025. The propitious time (shubh muhurat) for applying tilak will be from 1:19 PM to 3:35 PM. According to astrologers, this period is considered especially auspicious for enhancing the affectionate bond between siblings, bringing them good fortune and deepening their relationship.
The Legend of Yama and Yamuna
The origin of Bhai Dooj is deeply rooted in the ancient mythological tale of Lord Yama (the God of Death) and his sister, Yamuna. As per the legend, Yamuna frequently invited her brother Yama to her home, while one day, Yama unexpectedly visited Yamuna on the Dwitiya (second day) of the bright fortnight of the Kartik month. Overjoyed by her brother's arrival, Yamuna welcomed him grandly, performed his aarti, applied tilak, and lovingly served him his favorite dishes. Pleased by her hospitality, Lord Yama granted a boon: any brother who receives a tilak from his sister on this day would be freed from the fear of untimely death. Since then, Bhai Dooj has been celebrated as a symbol of brother-sister love and blessings.
