Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhaiya Dooj or Yama Dwitiya, is a festival that celebrates the special bond between brothers and sisters. It is celebrated two days after Diwali and symbolizes the love, protection and respect shared between brothers and sisters. Every year, the date of the festival is determined according to the Hindu lunar calendar, which sometimes leads to confusion over the exact day.
There is curiosity about whether Bhai Dooj will fall on 23 October or 24 October in 2025. According to Drik Panchang, Bhai Dooj will be celebrated on Thursday, 23 October 2025.
Bhai Dooj 2025 date and auspicious time
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Festival Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025
Aparahan Muhurat (Best Time for Tilak Ceremony): 13:10 PM to 15:25 PM
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yama Dwitiya: Thursday, October 23, 2025
Dwitiya tithi starts: October 22, 2025 at 20:16
Dwitiya date ends: October 23, 2025 at 22:46
Aparahan Muhurta is considered to be the most auspicious time for sisters to perform the Tilak ceremony and in return for brothers to bless their sisters.
Why is Bhai Dooj celebrated?
Bhai Dooj is celebrated on the second day of Shukla Paksha of Kartik month i.e. Kartik Shukla Dwitiya. On this day, sisters apply tilak to their brothers and pray for their long life and prosperity. In return brothers bless their sisters and give gifts or money.
The festival also holds mythological significance: according to ancient legends, Goddess Yamuna invited her brother Yamraj, the god of death, to her home. He gave him a feast and Yamraj gave a boon that the brother who received tilak from his sisters on this day would get long life, wealth and protection from misfortune.
Importance of Bhai Dooj
This festival emphasizes the sacred bond between brother and sister. Sisters pray for their brothers’ long life, health and prosperity, while brothers swear to protect their sisters and support them throughout their lives. Bhai Dooj also symbolizes family unity, love and respect, reminding us of the importance of moral and emotional support within families.
Spiritually, it reflects the power of devotion and gratitude, showing that relationships strengthened by respect and affection bring happiness, security, and prosperity in one’s life.
How is Bhai Dooj celebrated?
Morning Ritual: Devotees perform moon-gazing early in the morning and, if possible, take a holy bath in the Yamuna river or take an oil bath at home.
Meeting the sisters: In the afternoon brothers go to their sisters’ houses. Sisters perform the Tilak ceremony, offer sweets and pray for the well-being of their brothers.
Gifts and Blessings: Brothers give clothes, money or other gifts to their sisters.
Deepdan Ritual: In the evening, devotees light a four-wick lamp outside the house to honor Yamraj and wish for his protection.
If one does not have a sister, one can also honor a cousin or a friend’s sister in the same manner.
For 2025, Bhai Dooj will not be celebrated on October 24 but on October 23. Adhering to the Aparahan Muhurat ensures that the rituals are performed at the most auspicious time. Celebrate Bhai Dooj by expressing love, gratitude and blessings towards siblings, strengthening the sacred bond that this festival represents.
(This article is for your general information only. Zee News does not confirm its accuracy or reliability.)