Bhai Dooj 2025: Date, Tithi & Festival Meaning

Bhai Dooj: A Bond Etched Beyond Time

Introduction

Bhai Dooj, also called Bhai Beej, Bhau Beej, Bhai Tika and Bhai Phonta is an yearly Hindu festival that celebrates the bond of siblings.

This day falls on the final day of the 5-day long Diwali celebration. It has similar rituals and celebrations as Rakshabandhan. On this day, girls and women pray for the long life of their brother’s life. Brothers in return present them a gift and a pledge to protect from any kind of harm. 

In the northern region of the nation, people celebrate this day with great passion and the southern portion of the country celebrates the day as Yama Dwitya.  

The celebration of Bhai Dooj occurs on Kartika Shuka, Dwitya which is the second lunar day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartika. Generally, this festival takes place in the month of October or November as per the Gregorian calendar. 

Delicious sweets and meals are an essential part of the festival. On the occasion of Bhai Dooj, sisters cook scrumptious food for their brothers. 

Meaning of Bhai Dooj 

Sisters on this day remember brothers as gods. They sing devotional songs to observe the day. 

The prayer includes chanting “you truly are my mother and you truly are my father, you truly are my relative and you truly are my friend, you truly are my knowledge and you truly are my wealth, you truly are my all, my god of gods.”   

Significance of Bhai Dooj

Bhai Dooj holds significant importance in the life of people across India. It is a day to represent the sacred relationship between brother and sister and celebrate their eternal love. 

The day is celebrated in nearly every state of the country with many different names and in innumerable rituals. On the auspicious day a woman prays to the Gods to bless their brothers with a happy, healthy life and to shield them from all the harms.  

Sisters and brothers on this day reunite to honor their relationship. This day specifies the admiration of siblings towards each other. 

History of Bhai Dooj

Every Hindu festival has a story associated with it that teaches us a lesson about fondness, positivity and goodness. The history behind the celebration of Bhai Dooj has one such story that tells us about divine morality. 

In the mythological fables, on the second day after the new moon, Lord Yama paid a visit to her sister Yami. She was happy seeing her brother on her doorstep and welcomed him with tilak and aarti. Lord Yama was overwhelmed seeing this and in return for his sister’s gesture he presented her with gifts. He also promised that he, who would visit her sister on Sukla Paksha in the Kartik month, should not fear death. 

As per another mythological tale behind the celebration, Lord Krishna wanted to meet his sister Subhadra after killing Narkasur. Lord Krishna went to visit his sister and she welcomed him in a traditional manner. She showered her love and put tilak on his forehead celebrating his victory over evil. 

Tradition and Festivity of Bhai Dooj

 People from different regions in India celebrate the pious day of Bhai Dook in numerous different rituals. 

The occasion observes a customary celebration in which brothers visit their sisters. As per this ritual, sisters create a seat for their brothers using flour of rice. They make a paste of Vermillion, curd, and rice to apply as tika on the forehead of their brother. This is an integral part of the ceremony. 

After this, sisters offer Kaddu, betel leaves, betel nuts and coins in their brother’s palms. Also, sisters slowly chant holy mantras while pouring water on the palms. The chanting of holy mantras is to worship Lord Yama.  In the entire rituals, sisters pray to Lord Yama for the longevity of their brother.

Kalawa (holy red and yellow thread) has a great value in the hearts of Hindus. Sisters then  perform aarti and tie Kalawa on the hand of their brothers. 

Sisters light a Diya which faces the south direction and see a flying kite in the sky above to fulfill her wishes. The rituals end with brothers receiving sweets from their sisters and giving them presents in return. 

The custom of the festival finishes by touching the feet of elders of the family and seeking blessings for a happy and hearty life. 

Celebration across the Country

The states of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand celebrate the festival of Bhai Dooj with great zeal. 

Bhai Dooj is of paramount importance for the people in the state of West Bengal. The festival here is celebrated in the form of Bhai Phonta. People in Maharashtra celebrate the festival as Bhai Bheej.

Conclusion

There is a different understanding that siblings share with one another. From being best buddies to fighting over food, they share an eternal bond of affection. 

They share secrets and often reveal the parts of a secret to the parents in order to have some fun. However, having a sibling is a blessing because at the end of the day they are your ultimate protector and supporter. 

One hasn’t deciphered the definition of the unique sibling relationship. Nevertheless, no one ever raises questions over their love for each other. 

There is no such when they love more or less. However, on the occasion of Bhai Dooj, they celebrate their bond together. It is a special day for both of them.