Bhai Dooj, the final festival of the Diwali season, celebrates the eternal bond of love and trust between brothers and sisters. Also known as Yama Dwitiya, Bhau Beej, or Bhai Phonta across India, this day holds great cultural and emotional value. As per legend, Goddess Yamuna lovingly applied a tilak to her brother Yamaraj and prayed for his long and prosperous life. Since then, sisters continue this beautiful tradition, performing tilak rituals, offering prayers, and sharing sweets and gifts to strengthen their bond.

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According to the Hindu calendar, the Dwitiya Tithi begins on October 22, 2025, at 8:16 PM and ends on October 23, 2025, at 10:46 PM. Hence, Bhai Dooj 2025 will be celebrated on Thursday, October 23. The shubh muhurat for Tilak is from 1:13 PM to 3:28 PM, during which sisters perform the tilak ceremony and pray for their brothers’ long and prosperous lives.
The tika is traditionally done during the Aparahna window in the afternoon. Muhurat varies by city, so check your local panchang. As guidance:
Example New Delhi Aparahna window often falls in early to mid-afternoon; some references list about 1:13 PM to 3:28 PM or similar ranges depending on location and calculation.
For the most accurate bhai dooj 2025 muhurat and city-specific tika time, refer to your location on a reliable panchang.
According to popular legends, Yamraj visited his sister Yamuna on Dwitiya. She welcomed him with aarti and tika, and he blessed that brothers who receive tika from their sisters on this day are protected from harm. Another legend recalls Lord Krishna visiting his sister Subhadra after defeating Narakasura; she performed aarti and applied tilak, starting this loving custom. These stories explain why Bhai Dooj is celebrated as a day of protection, gratitude, and sibling love.
Maharashtra: Bhav Bij: Brother sits inside a decorative square; a karith fruit is used before the tilak.
West Bengal: Bhai Phonta: Sisters keep a brief fast and prepare a special sandalwood and kajal paste for the phonta.
Bihar: Yama Dwitiya: Rituals focus on prayers for the brother’s long life and wellbeing.
Clean the puja space, light a diya and incense.
Prepare a thali with roli, rice, sweets, flowers, and a small diya.
Sister applies tika, offers aarti, and prays for her brother’s health and success.
Brother gives a gift and blessings in return.
Share sweets and plan a family meal together.
Personalized notes or photo frames
Handwritten letter with a small piece of jewelry
Wellness or study essentials she wants
Books, hobby kits, or a short course voucher
A simple surprise outing or lunch together
Happy Bhai Dooj 2025 May your life be filled with health success and joy
On Bhai Dooj I pray for your strength and smiles today and always Happy Bhai Dooj
Thank you for being my first friend and forever cheerleader Happy Bhai Dooj dear sister
Blessings love and lots of laughter to my brother on Bhai Dooj
Bhai Dooj 2025 is a beautiful reminder to celebrate family, express gratitude, and strengthen sibling bonds. Mark the bhai dooj 2025 date and time, perform a simple tilak vidhi, share happy bhai dooj wishes, and make the day special with a thoughtful bhai dooj gift for sister. Wishing everyone a happy Bhai Dooj.
1. When is Bhai Dooj in 2025?
Bhai Dooj is on Thursday, 23 October 2025 in India.
2. What is the Bhai Dooj 2025 date and time for tika?
The tika is done in the Aparahna period in the afternoon; check your city-wise muhurat for exact minutes.
3. What is Bhai Dooj and why is it celebrated?
It celebrates sibling love and protection, inspired by legends of Yamraj and Yamuna and Krishna and Subhadra.
4. What should I write as happy Bhai Dooj wishes for brother?
Keep it warm and specific to your bond; add blessings for health, success, and happiness.
5. What is a good Bhai Dooj gift for sister?
Choose meaningful gifts like a book she wants, a keepsake, a wellness kit, or a thoughtful day out together.
6. Is Bhai Dooj the same across India?
Customs differ slightly by region and names like Bhau Beej and Bhai Phonta, but the emotion is the same.
7. Is Bhai Dooj on 14 or 15 in 2025?
For the year 2025, Bhai Dooj is on 23 October, not on 14 or 15. The date changes every year based on the Hindu lunar calendar (Tithi and Paksha).