Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
Bhai Dooj 2025: Date and time
Dwitiya Tithi will start at 8:16 pm on 22nd October and will end at 10:46 pm on 23rd October. Even if the tithi falls on both evenings, the aparahana (afternoon) time is considered the ideal time for the tilak ceremony.
Thus Bhai Dooj will be celebrated on Thursday, 23 October. The ritual will be performed at the auspicious time (Tilak Mahurat) between 1:13 pm to 3:28 pm. For example, Rudraksha gemstone specifies auspicious time from 12:34 pm to 2:51 pm. Other traditional sources recommend different times.
Bhai Dooj: Puja Rituals
Despite the wide variety of regional variations, the basic ritual of Bhai Dooj is the sister applying ceremonial tilak and praying for her brother’s well-being.
Here is a sequence that is often seen:
Preparation of puja thali
The sisters place a diya (wick), roli (sindoor or kumkum), akshat (raw rice grains), turmeric or sandalwood paste, flowers, sweets, a coconut, betel nut and a mauli (sacred thread) all on a beautiful thali (plate).
seating arrangement and orientation
Clean the puja place and keep the plate. The brother sits facing north or east/north-east, which is considered a lucky direction.
applying tilak
The sister applies Akshat (rice grains) and Roli (sandalwood-sindoor mixture) on her brother’s forehead while performing puja or silently giving blessings.
Aarti and prayer
The burning lamp is rotated in a circular motion, or aarti is performed in front of the brother. The sister prays for her brother’s safety, wealth and longevity.
Offering/feeding of sweets and exchange of gifts/blessings
The brother is given fruits and sweets, and sometimes the sister feeds him the first bite (a sign of care). In return, the brother praises his sister and gives her gifts such as clothes, cash or symbolic items.
Significance of Bhai Dooj
The most common story of Bhai Dooj is associated with Yama, the god of death, and his sister Yamuna (Yami). According to folklore, on this special day the Yamuna welcomed the arrival of Yama with a feast and tilak. He applied Tilak to Yamraj on the second date of Kartik month and since then applying Tilak became a ritual. Yama was impressed by his devotion and blessed long life to those brothers who got tilak done by their sisters on this day.
Bhai Dooj is also related to Krishna and Subhadra, because after defeating the demon Narakasura, Subhadra welcomed Krishna by performing aarti and applying tilak.
Sisters pray for the well-being of their brothers, while brothers pledge to protect and help them, and the tilak is considered spiritual protection against injury. This celebration strengthens the ties between the community and brings together extended relatives.