Bhai Dooj 2025 marks the culmination of the Diwali festivities in India. On this day, sisters apply a 'tilak' (a mark on the forehead) with 'roli' (vermilion) and 'akshat' (rice grains) on their brothers' foreheads, wishing them a long life, happiness, and prosperity. Brothers also give gifts to their sisters. This festival is a symbol of the worship of Yama Raj and the unbreakable bond of love between siblings.
Bhai Dooj: The festival of Bhai Dooj will be celebrated in India on October 23, 2025. On this day, sisters apply 'tilak' with 'roli' and 'akshat' on their brothers' foreheads, wish them long life and well-being, and feed them food prepared with their own hands. Brothers also give gifts to their sisters as a symbol of love and respect. This festival is celebrated under the tradition associated with the worship of Yama Raj and ancient legends, to strengthen the sibling relationship and ensure their protection.
Significance and Puja Rituals of Bhai Dooj
Bhai Dooj, much like Raksha Bandhan, is a festival that strengthens the bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters observe a fast for their brother's safety and long life. During the puja, sisters apply 'tilak' with 'roli' and 'akshat' on their brother, perform 'aarti' (a ritual of waving lamps), and then feed them food prepared with their own hands. On this day, brothers give gifts to their sisters as a token of their love and respect.
Bhai Dooj 2025 Auspicious Time: According to the 'Panchang' (Hindu calendar), the 'Dwitiya' (second lunar day) will begin on October 22, 2025, at 08:16 PM and conclude on October 23, 2025, at 10:46 PM. The main auspicious time for applying 'tilak' will be from 01:13 PM to 03:28 PM on October 23.
The Tradition of Tilak According to Legends
According to ancient legends, Yama Raj's sister, Yamuna Ji, met her brother on this very day after a long time. Yamuna Ji seated Yama Raj in a comfortable spot, applied a 'tilak' to him, and performed 'aarti'. After this, she fed Yama Raj food prepared with her own hands. Yama Raj was extremely pleased by Yamuna Ji's hospitality and affection.
Yamuna Ji sought a boon from her brother that on this day, any sister who applies 'tilak' to her brother and feeds him food prepared with her own hands, Yama Raj would protect him from untimely death and adversity. This is why even today, sisters perform the 'tilak' ritual on their brothers' foreheads on Bhai Dooj with proper customs, wishing them a long life and prosperity.
Activities to Perform on Bhai Dooj
- Sisters should apply 'tilak' with 'roli' and 'akshat' on their brother's forehead.
- Perform 'aarti' for the brother's long life and well-being.
- Prepare food with your own hands and feed it to your brother.
- Brothers should give gifts and express their love to their sisters.
Such a ceremony not only strengthens the sibling bond but is also believed to ensure the brother's safety and long life due to the worship of Yama Raj and his boon.
Bhai Dooj is not merely a festival for brothers and sisters, but also a cultural and religious observance linked to ancient legends and traditions. On this day, sisters apply 'tilak' on their brother's forehead and feed him food prepared with their own hands, wishing for his safety and well-being. Brothers also present gifts to their sisters as a symbol of respect and love.
