Bhai Dooj is one of the most favorite festivals in India, which celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Known by different names in different regions – Bhaiya Dooj, Bhai Tika, Bhaubij, Bhai Phonta, and Bhratri Dwitiya – the festival falls during Shukla Paksha Dwitiya of Kartik month, two days after Diwali. It is the day when sisters pray for the long life and well-being of their brothers, while brothers promise love, protection and support.
Bhai Dooj 2025 date and puja time
date: Thursday, October 23, 2025
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Dwitiya tithi starts: 22 October 2025, 20:16
Dwitiya date ends: October 23, 2025, 22:46
Auspicious time in the afternoon: 13:10 to 15:25 (2 hours 15 minutes)
Why is Bhai Dooj celebrated after Diwali?
Bhai Dooj is celebrated after Diwali to extend the festive season and focus on family ties. While Diwali celebrates the victory of light over darkness and the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, Bhai Dooj emphasizes the special relationship between brothers and sisters.
(Also read: Bhai Dooj 2025: Is it on October 22 or 23? Why is it celebrated after Diwali – Check exact date and auspicious time)
According to the Puranas
Yama and Yamuna Story: Yamuna invited her brother Yama (God of Death) for food and applied tilak on his forehead. Pleased with her love, Yama blessed her that the brother who receives tilak from the sisters on this day will be blessed with long life and protection.
Story of Lord Krishna and Subhadra: In some regions, this festival is associated with Lord Krishna meeting his sister Subhadra after defeating the evil Narakasura, reinforcing the message of love and protection.
Bhai Dooj rituals
Bhai Dooj rituals vary across India but generally include:
Tilak Ceremony: Sisters apply a ceremonial tilak (vermilion mark) on the forehead of their brothers.
Hindu ritual of worship: Sisters perform aarti and pray for their brother’s health and prosperity.
Exchange of Gifts: Brothers give gifts to their sisters as a token of love and gratitude.
feast: Special foods, sweets and festive dishes are shared.
Regional variations:
Bhai Phonta (West Bengal): Sisters perform rituals by applying tilak of 5 colors.
Bhaubij (Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh): Sisters invite brothers for food and decorate the plate.
Bhai Tika (Nepal): The sisters perform elaborate rituals with sacred thread, rice and tikka.
(Read more: Bhai Dooj 2025: From candid ritual moments to outdoor hour-long clicks – 8 ideas for capturing aesthetic photos with your brother)
Importance of Bhai Dooj
Strengthens brother-sister bonds and family ties.
Emphasizes on protection, love and care between brothers and sisters.
It marks the conclusion of Diwali festivities with an intimate family celebration.
A symbol of faith, gratitude and devotion, combining mythology with modern family traditions.
Tips to celebrate Bhai Dooj 2025
Perform Tilak and Aarti during auspicious time (13:10–15:25) for maximum auspiciousness.
Prepare a special thali with sweets, rice, vermillion and flowers.
Exchange gifts that reflect love and thoughtfulness.
Capture the moments with photos and videos to cherish the festival memories.
Share the story and significance with younger siblings to carry on the tradition.
Bhai Dooj 2025 is more than a ritual – it is a celebration of love, care and the brother-sister relationship. Whether it is called Bhaiya Dooj, Bhai Tika, Bhaubij, Bhai Phonta, or Bhratri Dwitiya, this festival unites families in joy and devotion. Celebrate this auspicious day by performing rituals, distributing gifts and cherishing the sacred bond between brothers and sisters.
(This article is for your general information only. Zee News does not confirm its accuracy or reliability.)