Every year, the festival of Bhai Dooj marks the beautiful conclusion of Diwali celebrations, a heartfelt day dedicated to the sacred bond between brothers and sisters. If you’re wondering when Bhai Dooj 2025 will be celebrated, here’s your quick answer: Bhai Dooj 2025 falls on Thursday, 23 October 2025.
The Dwitiya Tithi begins at 8:16 p.m. on October 22 and ends at 10:46 p.m. on October 23. According to the Hindu Panchang, the most auspicious time to perform the tilak ceremony is during the Aparahna (afternoon) muhurat. For example, in New Delhi, the best time is between 1:13 p.m. and 3:28 p.m
In essence, even though the tithi spans late evening hours on both days, the symbolic ritual of Bhai Dooj, where a sister applies a tilak on her brother’s forehead, is ideally performed during the afternoon of October 23, 2025.
Bhai Dooj 2025: Date and City-Wise Muhurat
Festival Date: Thursday, 23 October 2025
Dwitiya Tithi: Begins at 8:16 p.m. on October 22 and ends at 10:46 p.m. on October 23
Afternoon Tilak (Aparahna) Muhurat Timings in Major Cities:
- New Delhi: 1:13 p.m. - 3:28 p.m.
- Mumbai: 1:33 p.m. - 3:50 p.m.
- Kolkata: 12:30 p.m. - 2:47 p.m.
- Bengaluru: 1:14 p.m. - 3:35 p.m.
- Hyderabad: 1:10 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
These muhurat windows are widely recommended by leading panchang sources across India and ensure that your rituals are performed under the most auspicious celestial alignment.
What is Bhai Dooj and Why Is It Celebrated?
Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhratri Dwitiya or Yama Dwitiya, falls on the Dwitiya Tithi (second lunar day) of the Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik. This festival celebrates the eternal love, protection, and trust shared between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters perform aarti, apply tilak, and pray for their brothers’ long lives, while brothers promise protection and shower gifts in return.
The festival draws its meaning from ancient legends that symbolise unconditional affection and divine blessing.
1. The Tale of Yama and Yamuna
According to Hindu mythology, Yama, the god of death, visited his sister Yamuna on this day. She welcomed him with a tilak, aarti, sweets, and flowers. Deeply moved, Yama blessed her and declared that any brother who receives a tilak from his sister on this day would be granted a long, prosperous life. Hence, the day came to be known as Yama Dwitiya.
2. The Story of Lord Krishna and Subhadra
Another legend connects Bhai Dooj with Lord Krishna. After slaying the demon Narakasura, Krishna visited his sister Subhadra. She welcomed him with aarti, flowers, sweets, and applied a tilak on his forehead. This affectionate ritual became the foundation of what we now celebrate as Bhai Dooj.
Both stories reflect the same essence: love that protects, blessings that nurture, and a promise that binds siblings forever.
Regional Names and Celebrations Across India
Bhai Dooj is known by different names across the country, and each region celebrates it in its unique style. Here’s a quick look at how it’s observed nationwide:
| Region / Community | Local Name | Festival Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Karnataka | Bhau Beej / Bhai Beej | Tilak and Aarti at home, followed by festive meals and gift exchanges. |
| West Bengal, Tripura | Bhai Phonta | Sisters observe fast until the tilak and perform elaborate household puja after Kali Puja. |
| Nepal | Bhai Tika (part of Tihar) | Five-colour tika, marigold garlands, and prayers for long life, a highlight of Tihar. |
| North India | Bhai Dooj / Yama Dwitiya | Performed during Aparahna; sweets, tilak, and exchange of gifts mark the day. |
Different names, but one essence, love and blessings between siblings that go beyond distance and time.
Rituals and Traditions of Bhai Dooj Puja
Puja Essentials (Thali Items)
- Diya (oil lamp)
- Roli or kumkum for tilak
- Akshat (rice grains)
- Flowers and incense
- Water kalash
- Sweets or dry fruits
- Gifts for the brother
How to Perform the Bhai Dooj Ritual
- Prepare the puja space: Clean the area and place the decorated thali. Light the diya to begin the ceremony.
- Apply the tilak: The sister applies roli and rice grains on her brother’s forehead, symbolising protection and divine energy.
- Perform aarti: She performs aarti while praying for her brother’s long life, happiness, and well-being.
- Offer sweets: The sister offers sweets, symbolising love and the sweetness of the sibling bond.
- Exchange gifts: The brother presents gifts or money as a gesture of affection, and both seek blessings from elders.
The ritual may be simple, but its emotional depth makes Bhai Dooj one of the most heartwarming days in the Hindu festive calendar.
Why Bhai Dooj Holds Cultural and Emotional Value
Bhai Dooj is more than just a post-Diwali ritual; it’s a reaffirmation of love and gratitude within families. It celebrates three core values:
- Protection: The tilak acts as a sister’s silent prayer for her brother’s safety and success.
- Gratitude: Through aarti and sweets, she expresses appreciation for his constant support and care.
- Responsibility: The brother’s gifts represent his promise to stand by her in every phase of life.
On a broader level, Bhai Dooj concludes the five-day Diwali festival, representing light, renewal, and the enduring bonds of kinship. From traditional homes to modern video calls, the essence of Bhai Dooj remains timeless.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Bhai Dooj 2025
Q1. When is Bhai Dooj 2025?
Ans: Bhai Dooj will be celebrated on Thursday, 23 October 2025. The Dwitiya Tithi begins at 8:16 p.m. on October 22 and ends at 10:46 p.m. on October 23. Perform the tilak during the Aparahna (afternoon) period.
Q2. What is the best time for the Bhai Dooj tilak?
Ans: The ideal muhurat for the tilak is the Aparahna period. For instance: New Delhi: 1:13–3:28 p.m., Kolkata: 12:30–2:47 p.m., Bengaluru: 1:14–3:35 p.m., Hyderabad: 1:10–3:30 p.m., Mumbai: 1:33–3:50 p.m.
Q3. How is Bhai Dooj different from Raksha Bandhan?
Ans: Both festivals celebrate sibling love, but the difference lies in their timing and rituals. Raksha Bandhan is celebrated during Shravan Purnima with a rakhi, while Bhai Dooj falls on Kartik Shukla Dwitiya, where a sister applies a tilak after Diwali.
Q4. Is there a spring Bhai Dooj?
Ans: Yes. Some regions celebrate Holi Bhai Dooj after Holi. In 2025, it will fall on Sunday, 16 March 2025 (Dwitiya Tithi from 15 March, 2:33 p.m. to 16 March, 4:58 p.m.).
Q5. What if siblings live apart?
Ans: Distance can never weaken love. Many families celebrate Bhai Dooj virtually; sisters perform aarti and tilak through video calls while sending gifts or sweets via courier. It’s the intention that carries the true spirit of the festival.
Bhai Dooj 2025 is a heartfelt celebration that bridges tradition and modernity. Whether you perform it at home or connect virtually, the spirit remains the same: love, protection, and lifelong support between siblings. So mark your calendars for Thursday, 23 October 2025, prepare your festive thali, and celebrate this beautiful occasion with warmth, prayers, and sweets.
Also Read: Chhoti Diwali 2025: Date, Rituals and Significance
About the Author:
Akanksha Sinha
I’m Akanksha Sinha, a dedicated Sports Content Writer and Blogger with proven expertise in creating engaging sports blogs, news stories, and entertainment-driven articles. With a passion for storytelling and a strong command of research, I strive to deliver content that not only informs but also captivates readers across all age groups. At Possible11, she covers fantasy sports, match previews, and trending topics, making her a trusted voice for sports enthusiasts.
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