Bhai Dooj 2025 – Date, Tithi, Rituals, and Significance of the Festival of Sibling Bonds
Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhau Beej, Bhatru Dwitiya, or Yama Dwitiya, is a cherished Indian festival that celebrates the sacred and protective bond between brothers and sisters. Falling on the Dwitiya tithi of Kartik Shukla Paksha, two days after Diwali, it is a day where sisters pray for their brothers’ long life and success, while brothers honor their sisters with gifts and promises of protection.
In 2025, Bhai Dooj will be celebrated on Thursday, 23rd October.
Bhai Dooj 2025 – Date and Tithi
- Date: Thursday, 23rd October 2025
- Dwitiya Tithi Begins: 22nd October at 11:18 PM
- Dwitiya Tithi Ends: 23rd October at 9:30 PM
- Puja Muhurat: 11:30 AM to 1:05 PM IST
Why is Bhai Dooj Celebrated?
The roots of Bhai Dooj trace back to the ancient tale of Yamraj (God of Death) and his sister Yamuna, who invited him home and performed aarti with deep love. Touched by her devotion, Yamraj granted that any brother who receives aarti from his sister on this day will be blessed with health and protection.
The festival represents:
- A sister’s heartfelt prayers for her brother’s well-being
- A brother’s vow of lifelong care and protection
- An expression of love, respect, and emotional unity between siblings
Traditional Bhai Dooj Rituals
1. Tilak and Aarti by Sister
- Sisters apply a tilak of kumkum or sandalwood on their brother’s forehead
- Perform aarti with a ghee diya, offering sweets, dry fruits, and betel leaves or coconut
- Pray silently or chant a protective mantra for the brother’s long life
2. Brother’s Role
- After the ritual, brothers offer gifts, clothes, money, or personalized items
- A heartfelt gesture or a written note expressing gratitude strengthens the bond
- Some brothers also touch their sister’s feet as a mark of respect
3. Celebratory Meal
- Sisters prepare the brother’s favorite dishes—often a traditional thali with puri, sabzi, rice, dal, and sweets
- Popular desserts include barfi, kheer, gulab jamun, and laddoo
- The family eats together, reinforcing unity and joy
Regional Variations Across India
- North India: Widely known as Bhai Dooj, where brothers visit sisters’ homes for tilak and lunch
- Maharashtra & Goa: Celebrated as Bhau Beej, where brothers sit on a decorated rangoli while sisters perform puja
- Bihar & Eastern UP: Called Bhatra Dwitiya, sometimes involving sacred thread rituals or symbolic clay figures
- West Bengal: Known as Bhai Phonta, where sisters chant Sanskrit mantras and apply a special phonta tilak made of rice, sandalwood, and yogurt
Emotional and Spiritual Significance
- Strengthens the emotional foundation of sibling bonds
- Encourages family reunions, forgiveness, and sharing
- Seen as a continuation of Diwali’s divine energy, where blessings flow beyond material gifts
- In traditional belief, a sister’s prayer on Bhai Dooj protects her brother from untimely harm
How to Celebrate Bhai Dooj at Home
- Clean and decorate the house, especially the puja area
- Prepare a puja thali with tilak, diya, sweets, rice, betel leaves, and coconut
- Sisters should begin the aarti within the shubh muhurat for maximum benefit
- Brothers should sit facing east or north during the ritual
- If living apart, perform a video call aarti or send a digital e-thali with gifts in advance
Book Pandit for Bhai Dooj Aarti or Family Blessings
BookMyPooja offers:
- Guided Bhai Dooj Puja, Tilak Vidhi, and family protection mantras
- Trained Vedic pandits in Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu traditions
- Home puja kits and online puja options for siblings living in different cities or countries
To schedule your Bhai Dooj puja, visit www.BookMyPoojaOnline.com or call 9869 92 92 92.
Let Bhai Dooj 2025 renew the sacred promise of protection and love between you and your sibling.
