Bhai Dooj, the joyous festival celebrating the sacred bond between brothers and sisters, marks the culmination of the five-day Diwali festivities every year. In 2025, Bhai Dooj will be observed on Thursday, October 23, as per the Hindu calendar’s Kartika month, Shukla Paksha Dwitiya tithi. Despite some confusion over whether it falls on October 22 or October 23, the traditional observance and tilak timings align with the 23rd.
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Bhai Dooj: Understanding the Date and Tithi
The Dwitiya Tithi, or the second lunar day of the bright fortnight, begins at 8:16 pm on October 22 and continues until 10:46 pm on October 23. This means the festival spans part of both days, but the main rituals, including the auspicious tilak ceremony, are typically performed on the 23rd afternoon.
Tilak Muhurat and Pooja Timings
The tilak muhurat, considered the most auspicious time for sisters to apply the ceremonial tilak on their brothers’ foreheads, falls during the aparahna (afternoon) period. The widely accepted timing for Bhai Dooj 2025 tilak ranges approximately from:
- 1:13 pm to 3:28 pm IST (New Delhi and many major cities)
- Slight variations occur by region, e.g., Mumbai (1:33 pm – 3:50 pm), Kolkata (12:30 pm – 2:47 pm), Bengaluru (1:14 pm – 3:35 pm), and Hyderabad (1:10 pm – 3:30 pm)
This afternoon slot is ideal for family gatherings, allowing morning preparations and leaving evenings for celebrations.
Rituals and Significance
On Bhai Dooj, sisters honor their brothers with a tilak ceremony, praying for their well-being, prosperity, and long life. Brothers, in return, vow to protect their sisters and often gift them presents as a token of love. The festival is known by various names across India such as Bhau Beej in Maharashtra and Goa, Bhai Phonta in Bengal, Bhai Tika or Bhai Tihar in northern and eastern regions, and Yama Dwitiya in mythological contexts.
Legend Behind Bhai Dooj
According to Hindu mythology, the festival commemorates the visit of Yama, the god of death, to his sister Yamuna’s home. She warmly welcomed him, performed a tilak ceremony, and prayed for his well-being. Moved by her love, Yama granted a boon that any brother receiving tilak on this day would be blessed with longevity and protection from untimely death.
Preparation Tips for Bhai Dooj Puja
To make the day special:
- Prepare a puja thali with kumkum, rice grains, sweets, diya (lamp), flowers, and fruits a day in advance.
- Siblings wear new clothes as a mark of celebration and positivity.
- Share traditional Bhai Dooj vrat katha (stories) during the puja for spiritual enrichment.
City-wise Pooja & Timings Summary
| City | Tilak Muhurat (IST) | Recommended Timing for Rituals |
|---|---|---|
| New Delhi | 1:13 pm – 3:28 pm | Afternoon (Aparahna) |
| Mumbai | 1:33 pm – 3:50 pm | Afternoon (Aparahna) |
| Kolkata | 12:30 pm – 2:47 pm | Afternoon (Aparahna) |
| Bengaluru | 1:14 pm – 3:35 pm | Afternoon (Aparahna) |
| Hyderabad | 1:10 pm – 3:30 pm | Afternoon (Aparahna) |
External Links for More Insights
- Hindustan Times: Bhai Dooj 2025 Date, Rituals, and Muhurat
- FlowerAura: Bhai Dooj 2025 Date and Significance
- Drik Panchang: Bhai Dooj Tithi and Muhurat Timings
Internal Links from TechnoSports.co.in
- Festival special features and rituals: TechnoSports Festivals
- Hindu calendar and religious events: TechnoSports Spirituality
FAQs
Q1: Is Bhai Dooj celebrated on October 22 or 23 in 2025?
Although the lunar tithi starts on October 22 at night, Bhai Dooj festivities and the tilak muhurat are observed during the afternoon of October 23, 2025.
Q2: What is the significance of the tilak muhurat during Bhai Dooj?
The tilak muhurat is the most auspicious time when sisters perform the ceremonial tilak on their brothers’ foreheads, praying for their health, prosperity, and long life. The afternoon window is considered ideal for invoking maximum blessings.
