Bhai Dooj 2025, falling two days after Diwali, brings a special dilemma – which is the correct date, October 22 or 23? Know about the mystery of this day, auspicious time, worship method and the mythological story of Yamraj and Yamuna which makes this festival divine and sacred.
Bhai Dooj 2025 Date: The festival of Bhaiya Dooj is celebrated two days after Diwali. This year Bhaiya Dooj is on 23 October. This day is a symbol of the unbreakable love between brother and sister. It is believed that on Rakshabandhan, sisters wish for their brother’s long life, while on Bhaiya Dooj, they apply tilak to their brother and wish for his happiness and prosperity. Brothers give gifts to their sisters. Bhaiya Dooj is also known as Bhai Dooj, Bhatri Dwitiya, Bhai Dwitiya and Bhratri Dwitiya.
On this day, sisters wake up early in the morning and take bath and observe fast. After this, she invites her brother and decorates the puja thali. She applies tilak to her brother, ties the sacred thread and performs the aarti. After this, the sister feeds sweets to her brother. Then the brother gives a gift to his sister.
According to the Panchang, Bhai Dooj is called Yama Dwitiya because bathing in Yamuna on this day has special significance, which commemorates the union of Yamraj and Yamuna. According to mythological beliefs, bathing in Yamuna on this day destroys all sins and increases longevity and wealth. By taking a holy bath on this day, Yamdoots do not come to take the soul at the time of death.
Drik Panchang states that religious texts while describing the importance of the ritual of Bhai Dooj say that the brother who goes to his sister’s house to apply Tilak on this day, is freed from the fear of Yamalok and attains long life. Sisters who observe this fast attain good luck and prosperity. Thus, Bhai Dooj is not just a celebration of family bonds, but a sacred fast as mentioned in religious scriptures. This festival is an expression of love, affection and duty between brother and sister. The story of Yamraj and Yamuna described in the Puranas is at its core. His memory even today provides the basis for celebrating this festival with religious significance and social enthusiasm.
Story of Yamraj and Yamuna
The story of Bhai Dooj is related to Yamraj and his sister Yamuna, the children of Sun God and Shadow. One day, on the second day of Shukla Paksha of Kartik month, Yamraj suddenly reached the house of his sister Yamuna. Yamuna welcomed them and fed them. Pleased, Yamraj asked Yamuna to ask for a boon. Yamuna asked for a boon that he should come to her house on this day every year and any sister who applies tilak to her brother and serves him food should not fear Yamraj. Regarding Yamuna’s boon, Yamraj said, “So be it.” He gave a boon to Yamuna. Since then the festival of Bhai Dooj started being celebrated.
Bhaiya Dooj puja method
Take bath in the morning, clean the house and keep a post at the place of worship.
Place the urn and lamp on the stool. Then decorate it with flowers.
Sister should apply Tilak, offer Akshat, Roli, Durva and sweets to her brother.
Give Dakshina to your brother and feed him with your own hands.
The brother should seek blessings from his sister by giving her a gift in return.
Bhaiya Dooj auspicious time (2025)
Bhaiya Dooj start date: 22 October 2025, 8:16 pm
Bhaiya Dooj date ends: 23 October 2025, 10:46 pm
Bhaiya Dooj Puja Muhurat: 1:13 pm to 3:28 pm
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