Bhai Dooj 2025, the final day of the five-day grand festival of Diwali, symbolizes the unbreakable affection and love between siblings. On this day, sisters apply 'tilak' on their brothers' foreheads, wishing them long life, happiness, and prosperity. The festival will be celebrated on October 23, with special emphasis on auspicious timings (Shubh Muhurat) and worship rituals (Puja Vidhi).
Bhai Dooj: Bhai Dooj, the final day of the five-day grand festival of Diwali, will be celebrated on Thursday, October 23, 2025. On this day, sisters apply tilak on their brothers' foreheads, wishing them a long life, happiness, prosperity, and a bright future, while brothers present gifts to their sisters, pledging their protection. Traditional rituals such as Nahay-Khay, Kharna, and offering Arghya to the Sun God are observed during the festival. This day symbolizes strengthening affection and family bonds in the sibling relationship.
A Day of Affection and Blessings
Bhai Dooj, the final day of the five-day grand festival of Diwali, symbolizes the unbreakable love and affection between siblings. It is also known as 'Yama Dwitiya'. On this day, sisters apply tilak on their brother's forehead and wish them a long life, happiness, prosperity, and a bright future. Brothers also give gifts to their sisters and pledge to protect them.
This year, Bhai Dooj will be celebrated on Thursday, October 23, 2025. According to Drik Panchang, the main auspicious time (Shubh Muhurat) for applying tilak to the brother will be from 01:13 PM to 03:28 PM. Other auspicious timings include Abhijit Muhurat from 11:43 AM to 12:28 PM and Vijay Muhurat from 01:58 PM to 02:43 PM. Tilak can also be applied during the Amrit Kaal in the evening, from 06:57 PM to 08:45 PM. Sisters can apply tilak to their brothers during any of these timings as per their convenience, although the afternoon time is considered the most auspicious.
Bhai Dooj Puja Vidhi (Worship Method)
On the day of Bhai Dooj, performing puja according to the prescribed rituals brings the blessings of Yamraj. Sisters should wake up early in the morning, bathe, and wear clean clothes. In the puja thali (worship plate), keep roli or kumkum, akshat (rice grains), sweets, dry coconut (gola), paan (betel leaf), supari (areca nut), kalawa (sacred thread), and a deepak (lamp). In the Ishan Kone (northeast direction) of the house, make a 'chowk' with flour or rice and seat the brother on a clean mat, facing east or north.
First, meditate on Lord Ganesha and Yama Dev. After this, sisters should ritualistically apply roli and akshat tilak on their brother's forehead. After applying tilak, tie kalawa or raksha sutra on the brother's hand. A deepak is lit, and 'aarti' is performed for the brother, and he is offered sweets. Traditionally, sisters feed their brothers with their own hands. After the tilak and meal, brothers give gifts to their sisters and pledge to protect them.
Significance of Bhai Dooj
Bhai Dooj is called Yama Dwitiya because, according to mythological legend, on this day, Yamraj, the God of Death, visited his sister Yamuna's house. Yamuna respectfully welcomed her brother, offered him delicious food, and applied tilak. After this, Yamraj granted a boon to Yamuna, stating that any brother who visits his sister's house on this day, gets tilak applied, and eats food prepared by her, will not fear untimely death and will attain a long life. This is why the festival of Bhai Dooj brings sweetness and strength to the sibling relationship.
Sequence of Puja and Auspicious Timings
- Nahay-Khay (October 25): Sisters bathe, wear clean clothes, and prepare 'lauki-chana dal prasad' (gourd and split chickpea offering).
- Kharna (October 26): A waterless fast (Nirjala Vrat) is observed throughout the day, and the fast begins in the evening by eating 'gur ki kheer' (jaggery rice pudding) and roti.
- First Arghya (October 27): Offerings (Arghya) of water, milk, and flowers are made to the setting sun. Sisters stand in water and pray for their brother's long life.
- Second Arghya (October 28): The fast is completed by offering Arghya to the rising sun. Afterward, prasad is consumed with the family.
Bhai Dooj Customs and Traditions
The festival of Bhai Dooj is not just an opportunity to show sibling affection; it also holds special significance for the worship of Yamraj and Chitragupta. On this day, sisters pray for their brother's long life and prosperity. Brothers give gifts to their sisters and pledge their protection. This festival is a unique occasion in Indian culture to maintain the sweetness of the sibling relationship.
The festival of Bhai Dooj symbolizes the unbreakable love and affection between siblings. It is not limited to just tilak and meals, but also carries a hidden message of family, faith, and tradition. Performing puja with the family according to rituals during this festival, to be celebrated on October 23, 2025, will further strengthen relationships. Best wishes to all sisters and brothers that their love and affection may always endure.
