Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhai Tika, Bhau Beej, or Bhai Phonta, is a Hindu festival that honors the sacred bond between brothers and sisters. Celebrated on the second lunar day of Shukla Paksha in the Kartika month, it falls two days after Diwali. Sisters pray for their brothers’ prosperity and longevity, while brothers vow to protect their sisters.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: Two days after Diwali. In 2025, it falls on October 23 (Thursday).
- Tagged as: Festival of sibling love.
- What’s the hashtag?: #BhaiDooj
- When was it founded?: Ancient times, rooted in Hindu mythology.
- Who founded it?: Based on legends involving Lord Krishna and Yama (God of Death).
History of Bhai Dooj
The festival’s origins are steeped in Hindu mythology. One story recounts Lord Krishna visiting his sister Subhadra after defeating Narakasura. Subhadra welcomed him with aarti and tilak, starting the tradition. Another tale involves Yama visiting his sister Yamuna, who blessed him with love and hospitality. Yama declared that any brother receiving tilak from his sister on this day would be blessed with a long life.
Timeline
- Ancient Times: Linked to Lord Krishna and Yama’s mythological stories.
- Medieval Era: Rituals formalized across Indian regions.
- Modern Times: Celebrated globally by Indian communities.
Upcoming Dates
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | October 23 | Thursday |
| 2026 | November 11 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | October 31 | Sunday |
| 2028 | October 19 | Thursday |
| 2029 | November 7 | Wednesday |
| 2030 | October 27 | Sunday |
Observed
Bhai Dooj is celebrated across India with regional variations. In Bengal, it is called Bhai Phonta. In Maharashtra, special dishes like Basundi Puri are prepared. Sisters perform rituals involving tilak and aarti for their brothers.
How to Celebrate Bhai Dooj
Begin by inviting your brother for a special meal. Sisters prepare a seat using rice flour and apply tilak made of vermillion, dahi, and rice on their brother’s forehead while chanting prayers for his well-being. Gifts are exchanged between siblings as a token of love.
Spend quality time together by sharing stories, playing games, or enjoying festive delicacies. This strengthens the bond and creates lasting memories.
Conclude the day with blessings from elders to honor family traditions.
Fun Facts About Bhai Dooj
- The festival is also known as “Yama Dwitiya” in southern India.
- It marks the end of Diwali festivities.
- Special sweets like Kheerni Puri are prepared in some regions.
- The festival is similar to Raksha Bandhan but focuses more on prayers and rituals.
Quiz
- What does “Dooj” signify in Bhai Dooj?
- Which two deities are linked to the origins of Bhai Dooj?
- What is the traditional tilak made of?
- How many days after Diwali is Bhai Dooj celebrated?
- What is another name for Bhai Dooj in Bengal?
(Answers: 1. Second day; 2. Lord Krishna and Yama; 3. Vermillion, dahi, rice; 4. Two days; 5. Bhai Phonta)
FAQs
- What is Bhai Dooj?
A festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. - When is Bhai Dooj celebrated?
Two days after Diwali during Shukla Paksha in Kartika month. - What rituals are performed on Bhai Dooj?
Sisters apply tilak on their brothers’ foreheads, perform aarti, and exchange gifts. - Is Bhai Dooj similar to Raksha Bandhan?
Both celebrate sibling bonds but differ in rituals; Rakhi involves tying a thread, while Bhai Dooj focuses on tilak and prayers. - What foods are prepared for Bhai Dooj?
Special dishes like Basundi Puri or Kheerni Puri are popular.
Importance of Bhai Dooj
Bhai Dooj emphasizes familial bonds and cultural traditions passed down generations. It strengthens sibling relationships through prayers for well-being and mutual promises of protection.
Related Festivals
- Raksha Bandhan
- Diwali
- Holi