The festival of Diwali concludes on a heartfelt note with Bhai Dooj, a cherished celebration that honors the unique and enduring bond between brothers and sisters. This year, Bhai Dooj will be observed on Thursday, October 23, 2025, bringing the five-day Festival of Lights to a close.
The essence of Bhai Dooj lies in the beautiful promise of love and protection. On this day, sisters perform a ceremonial tilak for their brothers, praying for their long life, health, and prosperity. In return, brothers bless their sisters and reaffirm their lifelong vow to protect and support them, often accompanied by gifts.
Bhai Dooj 2025: Auspicious Date and Timings (Muhurat)
Mark your calendars and plan the rituals within the most auspicious time frame for the Tika ceremony.
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Bhai Dooj Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025
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Aparahna Time (Most Auspicious Tika Muhurat): 01:13 PM to 03:28 PM
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Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
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Dwitiya Tithi Begins: 08:16 PM on October 22, 2025
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Dwitiya Tithi Ends: 10:46 PM on October 23, 2025
The Aparahna Time (afternoon) is considered the most propitious period to perform the core Bhai Dooj rituals. The festival is known by various regional names across India, including Bhau Beej, Bhai Phonta, and Bhatru Dwitiya.
The Legend and Significance: Why We Celebrate Bhai Dooj
The festival’s origins are steeped in Hindu mythology, with two popular legends explaining its significance.
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The Legend of Yamraj and Yamuna:
The most well-known story revolves around Yamraj, the God of Death, and his sister, Yamuna. After a long separation, Yamuna invited her brother to her home, where she welcomed him with great love, applied a sacred tilak on his forehead, and performed an aarti for his well-being. Deeply moved by her affection, Yamraj granted her a boon: any brother who receives a tilak from his sister on this day and shares a meal with her will be blessed with a long, prosperous, and healthy life. This divine blessing is the cornerstone of the festival. -
Lord Krishna and Subhadra:
Another legend states that after slaying the tyrannical demon Narakasura, Lord Krishna visited his sister Subhadra. To welcome him, she performed a heartfelt aarti, applied a tilak on his forehead, and fed him sweets. This loving gesture from a sister to her brother established the tradition of Bhai Dooj.
The Rituals (Vidhi): A Step-by-Step Guide to the Celebration
The celebration is marked by simple yet profound rituals that strengthen the sibling bond.
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Preparation:
The day begins with sisters cleaning their homes and preparing a special puja thali. This thali is decorated with essential items:-
Roli (vermilion powder) and Akshat (rice grains) for the tilak
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A diya (lamp)
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Sweets and fruits
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Betel nuts and leaves
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Sandalwood paste and flowers
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The Tika Ceremony:
During the auspicious Aparahna Muhurat, the main ritual takes place. The sister applies a tilak on her brother’s forehead using roli and rice, performs his aarti by circling the lit diya around his face, and recites prayers for his long life and success. The brother, in turn, offers gifts or money as a token of his love and commitment. -
Feast and Gifts:
The ceremony is followed by a sumptuous feast where siblings share a meal, often featuring the brother’s favorite dishes. Traditional sweets like barfi, laddoo, and kheer are a must. The exchange of gifts—from clothes and jewelry to thoughtful personal items—adds to the joy of the occasion.
Astrological Importance of Bhai Dooj 2025
Astrologically, Bhai Dooj holds significant positive energy. It falls on the Dwitiya Tithi (second day) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the lunar month of Kartika.
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Planetary Position: In 2025, the Moon will be in Sagittarius (Dhanu Rashi), a sign ruled by Jupiter—the planet of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. This alignment creates an atmosphere of generosity, optimism, and spiritual warmth.
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Symbolic Transition: The Moon’s movement into Sagittarius signifies a shift from emotional depth (Scorpio) to expansion and joy, making it an excellent time for healing and strengthening relationships.
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Horoscope Impact: Performing the rituals during this time is believed to positively influence the fifth and ninth houses in one’s birth chart, which govern love, blessings, and destiny. This enhances understanding, deepens emotional bonds, and fosters harmony between siblings.
Bhai Dooj is more than just a ritual; it is a beautiful reaffirmation of one of life’s most precious relationships. This Bhai Dooj 2025, embrace the auspicious timings, perform the heartfelt rituals, and cherish the timeless bond you share with your sibling.