Bhai Dooj 2025 – Celebrating the Sacred Bond of Siblings

Date: October 23, 2025

Tithi: Shukla Paksha Dwitiya, Kartik month
Festival Type: Fifth and final day of Diwali celebrations

Regional Names

• North India: Bhai Dooj / Bhaiya Duj
• Maharashtra: Bhav Bij
• West Bengal: Bhai Phota
• Nepal: Bhai Teeka

Mythological Origins

• Legend of Yamraj and Yamuna:
  On Kartik Dwitiya, Lord Yamraj visited his sister Yamuna. She welcomed him with aarti, tilak, sweets, and love. Moved by her devotion, Yamraj blessed her and declared that brothers visiting sisters on this day would be blessed with health and prosperity.
  Hence, Bhai Dooj is also called Yam Dwitiya.

Rituals and Celebrations

• Sisters perform aarti and apply tilak on their brothers’ foreheads
• Brothers give gifts and blessings in return
• Families enjoy festive sweets like laddoos and traditional dishes
• Kayastha community worships Lord Chitragupta, along with pen, paper, and ink, honoring the divine record-keeper of karma

Cultural Significance

• Symbolizes love, protection, and prosperity between siblings
• Marks the end of Diwali festivities
• Reinforces familial bonds and dharmic values