Bhai Dooj, a cherished festival symbolizing the eternal bond between brothers and sisters, is celebrated on the Dwitiya (second) Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the Kartik month, while this year, the auspicious occasion falls on October 23, 2025, two days after Diwali. On this day, sisters apply tilak on their brothers' foreheads, perform aarti, and pray for their longevity and well-being, while in return, brothers offer gifts and pledge to protect their sisters.
When Brothers Are Far Apart
It's common for brothers to be in different cities or even countries during Bhai Dooj, making it impossible for them to visit their sisters' homes. However, sisters need not be disheartened. You can still observe Bhai Dooj by following specific rituals from a distance, ensuring you receive the full spiritual benefits of the puja.
Celebrating Via Video Call
In today's connected world, technology offers a wonderful solution. If your brother is far away, you can celebrate Bhai Dooj via a video call. Prepare your puja thali, light a lamp, and connect with your brother virtually. You can symbolically apply tilak to your brother on the screen. This modern approach allows you to express your love and prayers, and it's believed to grant the full blessings of the festival.
Bhai Dooj Puja Without the Brother's Physical Presence
If a video call isn't feasible or you prefer a more traditional method without direct interaction, here's an alternative ritual:
1. Wake up before sunrise, bathe, and wear clean clothes.
2. Bring a coconut from the market, symbolizing your brother.
3. Place a yellow cloth on a chowki (small table) in your home temple, while draw an 'Ashta Dal Kamal' (eight-petal lotus) with turmeric or kumkum.
4. Place the coconut on this lotus, representing your brother.
5, while apply roli and rice tilak on the coconut, offer flowers, fruits, and sweets. Light a lamp and perform aarti for the coconut.
6. After the puja, wrap the coconut in a yellow cloth and keep it safe until evening.
7. Pray to Yamraj for your brother's long life.
8. The next day, send this coconut to your brother.
Auspicious Tilak Muhurat for Bhai Dooj 2025
The auspicious time for applying tilak on Bhai Dooj this year is from 1:13 PM to 3:28 PM. Performing the tilak during this propitious period is believed to bring good fortune and prosperity to the brother-sister relationship.
