Bhai Dooj 2025 Observed October 23

Bhai Dooj (also called Bhau Beej, Bhai Phota, Bhai Tika, Yama Dwitiya or Bhratri Dwitiya) is a Hindu festival celebrating the lifelong bond between brothers and sisters, observed around the second day after Diwali and in 2025 largely on October 23 (regional/tithi variations apply). Central rituals include sisters applying a ceremonial multi‑coloured tilak, performing aarti, offering sweets and prayers for their brothers’ long life, while brothers give gifts and promises of protection; traditional observances also feature ethnic dress and ritual dips in the Yamuna. The festival’s mythic origins are linked to Yamaraja and his sister Yamuna and, in some accounts, to Lord Krishna’s return after Narakasura’s defeat, stories that underline the blessings and protection associated with the tilak. Drik Panchang and News18 list the Dwitiya tithi for Kartik as beginning 8:16 PM on Oct 22 and ending 10:46 PM on Oct 23, 2025, with the most auspicious tilak muhurat cited as 1:13 PM–3:28 PM. While traditional customs remain central, younger generations increasingly favour shared experiences—weekend trips and boutique travel escapes—over material gifts.