Bhai Dooj
Bhai Dooj, also known as Yama Dwitiya, is a special festival that celebrates the strong bond between brothers and sisters. It is observed on the second day of the bright fortnight in the Kartik month, and it marks one of the final celebrations of the Diwali festival. This year, Bhai Dooj will be celebrated on 23rd October 2025.
On this day, sisters pray for their brothers’ long and happy lives. They perform aarti and apply a red tika on their brother’s forehead. This festival is connected to Lord Yama, the god of death, and his sister Yamuna, the sacred river.
How Bhai Dooj Began
A long time ago, Sanjna, the wife of the Sun God, had two children—Yama (also known as Yamraj) and Yamuna. Because she could not handle the Sun’s powerful light, she created her shadow form called Chhaya and left her children with her.
Chhaya didn’t care much for Yama and Yamuna, but Yamuna loved her brother deeply. She often invited Yama to visit her, but he was always busy with his duties as the god of death.
One day, on the second day of Kartik Shukla Paksha, Yama surprised his sister by visiting her home. Yamuna was overjoyed. She cooked many delicious dishes, served him a lovely meal, and placed a ceremonial tika on his forehead with great love.
Before leaving, Yama was so pleased that he offered her a boon. Yamuna asked,
“Dear brother, please promise to visit me every year on this day. Also, bless all brothers and sisters so that if a brother visits his sister on this day and accepts her hospitality, he will never have to fear death. And those who bathe in the Yamuna River on this day should be free from your wrath.”
Yama granted her wishes, and this is how the Bhai Dooj tradition started.
Every year, thousands of brothers and sisters visit Vishram Ghat in Mathura to take a holy dip in the Yamuna River and pray to Yamuna ji and Yama.
Bhai Dooj 2025 Date
In 2025, Bhai Dooj will be celebrated on October 23, 2025.
The Dwitiya Tithi begins on October 22, 2025, at 8:16 PM and ends on October 23, 2025, at 10:46 PM.
How Bhai Dooj is Celebrated
On Bhai Dooj, sisters invite their brothers for a special meal, often including their favorite dishes and sweets. They perform aarti, apply a tika, and pray for their brothers’ good health and happiness. In return, brothers bless their sisters and give them gifts or money.
This festival shows the love between siblings. It also reminds brothers of their duty to protect their sisters, and sisters of their prayers and blessings for their brothers.
While customs may vary in different parts of India, the meaning of the festival stays the same.
Bhai Dooj and Raksha Bandhan difference
Both Bhai Dooj and Raksha Bandhan celebrate the love between brothers and sisters. However, there are a few differences:
- On Raksha Bandhan, sisters tie a rakhi on their brother’s wrist.
- On Bhai Dooj, sisters apply a tika on their brother’s forehead.
- On Raksha Bandhan, sisters usually visit brothers, while on Bhai Dooj, brothers visit their sisters.