Bhai Dooj 2025: Date, Significance and Puja Vidhi
By Pt. Sanjeev Sharma
Sacred Festival Celebrating the Bond of Brothers and Sisters
Table of Contents
Bhai Dooj, also known regionally as Bhai Phota, Bhau Beej, Bhai Tikka or Bhai Tihar, is a festival that celebrates the sacred bond between brothers and sisters. It is observed on the second day (Dwitiya Tithi) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartik, marking the conclusion of the five-day Diwali celebrations. The essence of this festival lies in reinforcing love, protection, duty and mutual respect between siblings. Beyond rituals, it deepens emotional connections, strengthens family harmony and instills spiritual positivity.
Mythological Legends and Spiritual Importance
The Story of Yamraj and Yamuna
The oldest and most widely revered legend of Bhai Dooj is connected with Yamraj, the god of death and his sister Yamuna, also known as Yami. It is said that on the second day after Amavasya, Yamraj visited his sister’s home. Yamuna welcomed him with lit lamps, fed him with her own hands and applied a protective tilak on his forehead while praying for his well-being. Deeply moved by her affection, Yamraj granted a boon that on this day, any brother whose sister applies tilak on his forehead would never fear untimely death and would be blessed with longevity and prosperity.
This story reflects the protective nature of sibling affection and highlights how a sister’s sincere devotion becomes a shield of divine blessings for her brother.
The Story of Krishna and Subhadra
Another significant legend links Bhai Dooj with Lord Krishna and his sister Subhadra. After defeating the demon Narakasura, Krishna returned home triumphantly. His sister Subhadra welcomed him with rows of lamps and flower decorations, applied tilak on his forehead and prayed for his long life. Since then, it became customary for sisters to perform tilak for their brothers on this day and brothers in return offer gifts and tokens of love.
This story emphasizes that the bond between siblings is not only biological but also a spiritual foundation that supports harmony in family and society.
Bhai Dooj 2025: Date and Shubh Muhurat
- Festival Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025
- Dwitiya Tithi Begins: October 22, 2025, 8:16 PM
- Dwitiya Tithi Ends: October 23, 2025, 10:46 PM
- Aparahna Shubh Muhurat: 12:34 PM to 2:51 PM (duration 2 hours 17 minutes)
The afternoon is especially auspicious for the Bhai Dooj rituals, as it is believed to be filled with divine energies that enhance love, longevity and prosperity among siblings.
Regional Variations of Bhai Dooj
- West Bengal - Bhai Phota: Celebrated two days after Kali Puja, sisters chant special mantras, apply tilak (phota) and offer grand feasts for their brothers.
- Maharashtra and Goa - Bhau Beej: Sisters welcome brothers with decorated thalis and perform aarti; brothers express their affection with gifts.
- Bihar and Uttar Pradesh - Bhai Tikka: The ceremony centers on tilak and the exchange of sweets and gifts.
- Nepal - Bhai Tihar: A special day is dedicated to brothers as part of the five-day Tihar festival, with songs, dances, rituals and feasts.
Despite regional variations in customs, the essence remains universal, celebrating the eternal love and protection between brothers and sisters.
Step-by-Step Puja Vidhi of Bhai Dooj
1. Preparations
- Sisters prepare a decorated puja thali with diya (lamp), kumkum, sandalwood paste, akshat (rice grains), coconut, sweets, flowers and incense.
- Homes are cleaned thoroughly and rangoli is drawn in courtyards, with lamps placed throughout to invite prosperity.
- Married daughters often return to their parental homes to participate in the celebrations with their brothers.
2. Tilak Ceremony
- The brother is seated comfortably and the sister applies a tilak of kumkum and akshat on his forehead.
- Offerings of coconut and sweets are made.
- Sisters recite the Bhai Dooj Mantra, blessing their brother with protection and prosperity:
"Ganga puje Yamuna ko, Yami puje Yamraj ko,
Subhadra puje Krishna ko, Ganga Yamuna neer bahe,
Mere bhai aap badhe, foole phale."
Meaning: “As Ganga and Yamuna flow eternally, may my brother prosper, grow and flourish with divine blessings.”
3. Aarti and Offerings
- Sisters perform aarti, waving the lamp before the brother and praying for his long life.
- Special delicacies like kheer, laddoo and pedas are offered and shared as prasad.
4. Gifts and Blessings
- Brothers reciprocate the love by giving clothes ornaments, money, sweets or other gifts.
- These gifts symbolize protection, goodwill and gratitude towards the sister.
5. Family-Wide Celebration
- Married brothers involve their wives and sisters extend blessings to nieces and nephews.
- Sisters who do not have brothers worship Chandra Dev (the moon god), symbolically performing the ritual for their brotherly bond.
Bhai Dooj Puja Samagri (Essential Items)
- Puja Thali
- Diya (lamp) with ghee or oil
- Kumkum, Roli and Sandalwood paste
- Akshat (unbroken rice grains)
- Coconut
- Flowers and garlands
- Sweets and fruits
- Incense sticks
Difference Between Bhai Dooj and Holi Bhai Dooj
| Aspect | Bhai Dooj | Holi Bhai Dooj |
|---|---|---|
| Timing | Celebrated after Diwali (Kartik Shukla Dwitiya) | Celebrated after Holi (Phalgun Shukla Dwitiya) |
| Significance | Focused on the sister praying for brother’s long life | Celebrated in a playful spirit with sibling bonding |
| Rituals | Tilak, aarti, puja, gift exchange, meals | Light tilak ceremony with fun and casual celebrations |
| Tone | Serious, devotional, family-centered | Light-hearted, joyous and social |
Importance of Bhai Dooj 2025
Bhai Dooj 2025 serves as a timeless reminder of sibling love and duty amidst the fast pace of modern life. Sisters pray for their brothers’ longevity and prosperity, while brothers honor their sisters with affection, respect and gifts.
Celebrating this festival with devotion does not only ensure blessings for health, protection and happiness but also strengthens familial harmony and unity. Bhai Dooj is a day when bonds of love and tradition illuminate households with joy, warmth and spirituality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. When is Bhai Dooj in 2025?
A: Bhai Dooj will be celebrated on Thursday, October 23, 2025.
Q2. What is the Shubh Muhurat for Bhai Dooj 2025?
A: The most auspicious time is in the afternoon, from 12:34 PM to 2:51 PM.
Q3. Why is the Yamraj-Yamuna story important for Bhai Dooj?
A: It signifies how a sister’s love and prayer give her brother protection and blessings of long life.
Q4. Which items are used in Bhai Dooj Puja?
A: A decorated thali, diya, kumkum, akshat (rice), coconut, sweets, flowers and incense are essential puja items.
Q5. How is Bhai Dooj different from Holi Bhai Dooj?
A: Bhai Dooj after Diwali is serious and devotional, emphasizing protection and blessings, while Holi Bhai Dooj is light-hearted and celebratory.
