Bhai Dooj 2025: Date, Tika Time, Puja Vidhi, Vrat Katha, and Significance
Overview of Bhai Dooj 2025: Bhai Dooj, also known as Yama Dwitiya, is one of the most significant Hindu festivals that celebrates the sacred bond between brothers and sisters. According to the Hindu Panchang, it is observed on the Dwitiya Tithi of Kartik Shukla Paksha. In 2025, Bhai Dooj falls on Thursday, October 23.
On this day, sisters apply the auspicious Tika (Tilak) on their brothers’ foreheads and pray for their long, happy, and prosperous life. In return, brothers give gifts and blessings to their sisters.
The festival is also known by other names like Bhau Beej, Bhatri Dwitiya, Bhaiya Dooj, and Bhataru Dwitiya in different regions of India.
Bhai Dooj 2025 Date and Muhurat
- Bhai Dooj Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025
- Aparahna Tika Time: 13:13 to 15:28 (Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes)
- Yama Dwitiya: Thursday, October 23, 2025
- Dwitiya Tithi Begins: 20:16 on October 22, 2025
- Dwitiya Tithi Ends: 22:46 on October 23, 2025
Note: Timings are according to New Delhi, India (local time).
Bhai Dooj 2025 Panchang Details
| Event | Timing (IST) |
|---|---|
| Sunrise | 06:27 AM |
| Sunset | 17:43 PM |
| Moonrise | 07:57 AM |
| Moonset | 18:34 PM |
| Tithi | Shukla Dwitiya till 22:46 |
| Nakshatra | Vishakha till 04:51, Oct 24 |
| Yoga | Ayushmana till 05:00, Oct 24 |
| Karana | Balava till 09:30, Kaulava till 22:46 |
Significance of Bhai Dooj Festival
Bhai Dooj is not just a festival of affection between siblings but also a spiritually significant day symbolizing love, duty, and divine protection. According to Puranic legends, this day commemorates the meeting of Lord Yama (God of Death) and his sister Goddess Yamuna.
It is believed that performing Yamuna Snan (holy bath in Yamuna River) on this day and celebrating Bhai Dooj rituals ensures:
- Freedom from sins
- Long life
- Protection from premature death
- Spiritual well-being
In Hindu scriptures, brothers who visit their sisters and receive the tilak are believed to be free from the fear of Yama (death and suffering).
Bhai Dooj Tilak and Puja Vidhi
Morning Rituals
- Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta (04:45–05:36 AM).
- Take a holy bath—if possible, perform Yamuna Snan.
- If Yamuna Snan is not possible, apply oil and take a bath at home.
- Perform Chandra Darshan and offer water to Lord Surya (Sun God).
Tilak Ceremony (Aparahna Time)
- Sisters prepare a decorated puja thali with:
- Roli (vermillion)
- Rice grains
- Diya (lamp)
- Sweets
- Coconut and betel leaves
- The sister applies Tilak on her brother’s forehead, ties a Kalawa (sacred thread), and performs Aarti.
- The brother offers gifts, clothes, or money as a token of affection.
- The sister feeds her brother delicious food and sweets.
Evening Rituals (Deepdan for Yamaraj)
Before lighting lamps inside the home, light a four-wick Diya outside in honor of Lord Yama. This Deepdan ensures peace, prosperity, and protection from untimely death.
Yama Dwitiya Vrat Katha (Story of Bhai Dooj)
The Divine Story of Yama and Yamuna
According to the Valakhilya Rishi, once Goddess Yamuna invited her brother Lord Yama to her home for a meal. However, due to his divine duties, Yama kept postponing his visit. Eventually, he accepted the invitation and visited her on the Kartik Shukla Dwitiya day.
Yamuna welcomed him with warm hospitality—bathed him with scented oils, offered flowers, and served a grand feast. Deeply pleased, Lord Yama granted her a boon that:
“Whoever visits his sister’s home on this day and receives her hospitality shall be free from all sins and never fear Yama Lok.”
From that day onward, this sacred Tithi became known as “Yama Dwitiya” or “Bhai Dooj.”
It is also said that those who bathe in the Yamuna and worship their siblings on this day are blessed with prosperity, happiness, and long life.
Spiritual Importance and Ritual Beliefs
- Sisters who perform the Bhai Dooj Vrat with devotion are blessed with good fortune and longevity for their brothers.
- Brothers who visit their sisters’ homes on this day are freed from Yama’s punishment.
- Those who do not have sisters can perform this ritual with cousins or symbolic sisters.
- In some regions, cows, rivers, or sacred groves are revered as symbolic sisters.
Regional Names and Celebrations
| Region | Name of the Festival |
|---|---|
| Maharashtra, Goa | Bhau Beej |
| West Bengal | Bhai Phonta |
| Uttar Pradesh, Bihar | Bhai Dooj |
| Gujarat | Bhai Beej |
| Nepal | Bhaitika |
Panchang Insights for Devotees
The Panchang serves as a Vedic calendar and is crucial for determining auspicious times (Muhurta) for religious activities.
During Bhai Dooj, these timings such as Abhijit Muhurta (11:43–12:28) and Vijaya Muhurta (13:58–14:43) are highly favorable for performing rituals.
Knowing Panchang helps devotees identify auspicious periods for:
- Brahma Muhurta Puja
- Sandhya Vandanam
- Surya Arghya
- Deepdan
- Yamuna Snan
To read more about Panchang and daily muhurat, you can refer to Panditji on way.
Connection Between Bhai Dooj and Yama Dwitiya
Yama Dwitiya and Bhai Dooj are spiritually identical, emphasizing devotion, family unity, and divine blessings. Worshipping Lord Yama and Goddess Yamuna brings peace and eliminates negative karmic effects.
Why Bhai Dooj is Important
- Strengthens sibling relationships
- Promotes unity and compassion
- Represents victory of love over fear
- Encourages charity, purity, and gratitude
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Bhai Dooj 2025
1. When is Bhai Dooj in 2025?
Bhai Dooj will be celebrated on Thursday, October 23, 2025, during the Aparahna Tika Muhurat (13:13–15:28). On this day, sisters perform tilak on their brothers’ foreheads and pray for their long life and happiness. It marks the end of the five-day Diwali festival across India.
2. What is the Shubh Muhurat for Bhai Dooj Tilak in 2025?
According to Hindu Panchang, the Bhai Dooj Tilak Muhurat in 2025 starts at 1:10 PM and lasts till 3:25 PM. Performing the Tilak ceremony during this time is considered highly auspicious for strengthening sibling bonds and receiving divine blessings from Yamraj and Yami.
3. What is the story behind Bhai Dooj festival?
As per Hindu mythology, Lord Yamraj visited his sister Yamuna (Yami) on Dwitiya Tithi after Diwali. She welcomed him with an aarti, tilak, and sweets. In return, Yamraj blessed her with long life and promised that any brother visiting his sister on this day would be blessed with health and prosperity. This is how Bhai Dooj, also known as Yama Dwitiya, started.
4. How do sisters celebrate Bhai Dooj 2025 with their brothers?
On Bhai Dooj, sisters apply a sacred tilak on their brothers’ foreheads, perform aarti, and offer sweets. In return, brothers give gifts or money and promise to protect their sisters. Many families also organize puja at home, prepare festive meals, and exchange blessings.
5. What is the difference between Bhai Dooj and Raksha Bandhan?
While both festivals celebrate the bond between brothers and sisters, Bhai Dooj occurs after Diwali, and Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in Shravan month (July–August). On Bhai Dooj, sisters perform Tilak and Aarti, whereas on Raksha Bandhan, they tie a Rakhi thread around their brothers’ wrists.
6. What are the other names of Bhai Dooj in India?
Bhai Dooj is celebrated by different names across India —
- Bhau Beej in Maharashtra and Goa
- Bhai Phonta in West Bengal
- Yama Dwitiya in Southern states
Despite regional variations, the meaning remains the same — a celebration of sibling love and protection.
7. Can sisters perform Bhai Dooj rituals if their brother lives far away?
Yes. In 2025, many sisters will celebrate Virtual Bhai Dooj via video calls. You can perform Tilak remotely using a symbolic photo, light a diya, and recite the Bhai Dooj Aarti while praying for your brother’s long life. Digital pujas and online pandit services are also available at PanditJi On Way.
8. What puja items are required for Bhai Dooj 2025 Tilak?
The main Bhai Dooj puja samagri includes:
- Roli (kumkum)
- Rice (akshat)
- Diya (lamp)
- Sweets and dry fruits
- Coconut
- Kalash and water
- Fresh flowers
These items are used while performing Tilak, Aarti, and Bhai Dooj Puja at home.
9. Why is Bhai Dooj also called Yama Dwitiya?
Bhai Dooj is known as Yama Dwitiya because it falls on the Dwitiya Tithi (second day) of Shukla Paksha in Kartik month, when Yamraj visited his sister Yami. This name signifies the divine brother-sister relationship and the victory of love over fear of death.
10. How to perform Bhai Dooj Puja at home in 2025?
To perform Bhai Dooj Puja at home:
- Clean and decorate your puja area.
- Prepare a thali with roli, rice, diya, sweets, and kalash.
- Apply tilak to your brother’s forehead.
- Perform aarti and recite Bhai Dooj mantra.
- Offer sweets and take blessings.
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11. Which god or goddess is worshipped on Bhai Dooj?
On Bhai Dooj, devotees worship Lord Yamraj and Goddess Yamuna for protection, health, and longevity. Their story symbolizes love, forgiveness, and eternal bonds between siblings.
12. What is the significance of Bhai Dooj 2025 in modern times?
Bhai Dooj 2025 continues to be a celebration of family unity, affection, and gratitude. It strengthens emotional ties and preserves cultural traditions, especially in today’s digital world, where virtual celebrations connect distant families with love and devotion.
13. Is Bhai Dooj 2025 a public holiday in India?
Bhai Dooj is not a nationwide public holiday, but it is a restricted festival holiday in many states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Delhi. Offices, banks, and schools may have limited working hours depending on the region.
14. Can Bhai Dooj be celebrated without a brother?
Yes. Women who do not have a brother can worship the Moon (Chandra Dev) as their symbolic brother. This practice is known as “Chand Bhai Dooj”, and it holds equal significance and blessings.
15. Where can I find Bhai Dooj Puja services near me?
You can easily book Bhai Dooj Puja and Tilak Vidhi online through trusted platforms like PanditJi On Way, which offers professional Hindu priests and samagri for Bhai Dooj, Diwali, and other rituals across India.
