When is Bhai Dooj 2025? Date, Muhurat, Significance, and Rituals
If you’re wondering “When is Bhai Dooj 2025?”, here’s the quick answer: Thursday, 23 October 2025.
The Dwitiya Tithi starts at 8:16 PM on October 22 and ends at 10:46 PM on October 23. Most panchang guides suggest performing the tilak during the Aparahna (afternoon) window.
For example, in New Delhi, the best time is 1:13 PM to 3:28 PM.
Below, we’ll cover city-wise muhurat, festival legends, rituals, gifts, and tips to celebrate Bhai Dooj properly.
Bhai Dooj 2025: Date and City-wise Muhurat
Festival Date: Thursday, 23 October 2025
Dwitiya Tithi: Starts 8:16 PM, 22 Oct – Ends 10:46 PM, 23 Oct
Afternoon Tilak (Aparahna) Window in Major Cities
- New Delhi: 1:13 PM – 3:28 PM
- Mumbai: 1:33 PM – 3:50 PM
- Kolkata: 12:30 PM – 2:47 PM
- Bengaluru: 1:14 PM – 3:35 PM
- Hyderabad: 1:10 PM – 3:30 PM
The tilak should be done during this window for maximum auspiciousness.
What is Bhai Dooj?
Bhai Dooj, also called Bhratri Dwitiya or Yama Dwitiya, is a festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters.
- Sisters apply a tilak (red mark) on their brother’s forehead.
- They perform aarti and pray for their brother’s long life and prosperity.
- Brothers, in return, give blessings and gifts.
Famous Legends Behind Bhai Dooj
- Yama and Yamuna
Yama, the god of death, visited his sister Yamuna. She welcomed him with tilak and aarti. Yama blessed all brothers who receive a sister’s tilak on this day with long life. - Krishna and Subhadra
After defeating Narakasura, Krishna visited his sister Subhadra. She greeted him with sweets, flowers, aarti, and tilak — a gesture now reflected in modern Bhai Dooj rituals.
The festival is all about care, protection, and gratitude between siblings.
Regional Variations and Names
Bhai Dooj is celebrated all over India but with different names and rituals:
| Region / Community | Local Name | Typical Features |
|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Coastal Karnataka | Bhau Beej / Bhai Beej | Tilak, aarti, festive meal, gift exchange |
| West Bengal, Tripura | Bhai Phonta | Sisters may fast, elaborate puja, grand meal |
| Nepal | Bhai Tika | Five-color tika, marigolds, blessings during Tihar |
| North India | Bhai Dooj / Yama Dwitiya | Afternoon tilak, sweets, gift exchange |
Other names like Yamadvitiya and Bhatru Dviteeya are used in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
How to Perform Bhai Dooj: Step-by-Step
Puja Essentials: diya, roli/kumkum, akshat (rice), flowers, incense, small kalash, sweets, and gifts.
Steps:
- Prepare the space – Clean the area, arrange the thali, and light the diya.
- Tilak & Akshat – Sister applies tilak and rice on brother’s forehead.
- Aarti – Perform clockwise aarti while praying for his health and success.
- Offer Sweets – Give him a sweet or favorite bite.
- Exchange Gifts & Blessings – Brothers give gifts and blessings; elders may bless too.
The ritual strengthens bonds and brings family together.
Why Bhai Dooj Matters
Bhai Dooj is more than rituals; it carries three key meanings:
- Protection – Tilak is a prayer for safety and long life.
- Gratitude – Sweets and aarti show appreciation for care over the years.
- Responsibility – Gifts and blessings mark mutual support and love.
It also marks the end of Diwali celebrations and reflects community, renewal, and joy.
Bhai Dooj 2025 FAQs
Q1: When is Bhai Dooj 2025?
A: Thursday, 23 October 2025. Dwitiya Tithi: 8:16 PM, 22 Oct – 10:46 PM, 23 Oct. Tilak best done in Aparahna.
Q2: What Are the best tilak time for major cities?
- New Delhi: 1:13–3:28 PM
- Kolkata: 12:30–2:47 PM
- Bengaluru: 1:14–3:35 PM
- Hyderabad: 1:10–3:30 PM
- Mumbai: 1:33–3:50 PM
Q3: How Bhai Dooj Difference from Raksha Bandhan?
Raksha Bandhan is about tying rakhi on Shravan Purnima. Bhai Dooj involves tilak on Kartik Shukla Dwitiya, two days after Diwali.
Q4: Is there a spring Bhai Dooj?
Yes. Some celebrate after Holi. In 2025: Sunday, 16 March.
Q5: What if siblings live apart?
Perform tilak via video call, send gifts or sweets. Intention matters most.
Future Bhai Dooj Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 23 Oct | Thu |
| 2026 | 11 Nov | Wed |
| 2027 | 31 Oct | Sun |
| 2028 | 19 Oct | Thu |
| 2029 | 7 Nov | Wed |
Popular Bhai Dooj Gifts
- Sweets: Motichoor ladoo, kaju katli, besan ladoo
- Modern treats: Dry-fruit bites, chocolate, hampers
- Keepsakes: Small accessories, books, wellness kits, beauty products
- Flowers & plants: Bouquets or indoor plants to wish growth and good luck
Choose gifts that match your sibling’s personality — personal touch matters more than size or cost.
Closing Tips
- Mark the date: 23 October 2025
- Set Aparahna reminder for tilak
- Prepare sweets, gifts, and puja essentials in advance
Bhai Dooj rituals take minutes, but the love and memory last for years.
