Bhai Dooj

Manyanshi Joshi
Oct 23, 2025
4 min read

Bhai Dooj (also known as Bhaiya Dooj, Bhau Beej, Bhai Phonta, or Yama Dwitiya in different regions) is a Hindu festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters.

Here’s a quick overview:

🌸 Date & Timing

Bhai Dooj is celebrated on the second day (Dwitiya Tithi) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the Hindu month of Kartika — usually one or two days after Diwali.
In 2025, Bhai Dooj will fall on October 23 (Thursday).

💫 Significance

Bhai Dooj symbolizes the love, care, and protection between siblings. It’s similar in spirit to Raksha Bandhan, but with different rituals and legends.

According to Hindu mythology:

The festival is associated with Lord Yama (the God of Death) and his sister Yamuna.
- On this day, Yama visited Yamuna, who welcomed him with sweets, aarti, and a tilak (mark) on his forehead.
- In return, Yama granted her a boon that any brother who receives a tilak and meal from his sister on this day will never be taken to Yamalok (hell) before his time.

Thus, Bhai Dooj represents the sister’s prayers for her brother’s long life and well-being.

🎊 Rituals & Celebrations

Tilak Ceremony – Sisters apply a red vermilion tilak (often with rice grains) on their brother’s forehead.
Aarti & Prayers – Sisters perform an aarti and pray for their brother’s long, prosperous life.
Gift Exchange – Brothers give gifts or money to their sisters as a token of love and appreciation.
Feast – Families gather for festive meals, often including traditional sweets like kaju katli, laddoos, and barfis.

🪔 Regional Names

Bhai Phonta – West Bengal
Bhau Beej / Bhav Bij – Maharashtra & Goa
Yama Dwitiya – South India
Bhai Tika – Nepal

Here’s the history and origin of Bhai Dooj in detail:

🕉️ Historical and Mythological Background of Bhai Dooj

Bhai Dooj is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and ancient traditions that highlight the sacred bond between brothers and sisters. The festival’s history is connected to several legends found in the Puranas and other Hindu scriptures.

🌊 1. The Legend of Yamraj and Yamuna

This is the most popular story behind Bhai Dooj.

According to Hindu mythology:

Yamraj, the God of Death, had a sister named Yamuna (the river goddess).
Yamuna often invited her brother to visit her, but Yamraj was always busy with his duties.
One day, he finally went to her home. Yamuna was overjoyed and welcomed him with sweets, flowers, and a tilak (ceremonial mark) on his forehead.
She performed aarti and prayed for his well-being and long life.
Touched by her love and devotion, Yamraj granted her a boon: any brother who receives a tilak and meal from his sister on this day will enjoy a long, healthy, and prosperous life.
From that day, the ritual became a tradition and is celebrated as Bhai Dooj or Yama Dwitiya.

🪔 2. The Story of Lord Krishna and Subhadra

Another legend connects Bhai Dooj to Lord Krishna and his sister Subhadra.

After Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura, he visited his sister Subhadra.
She welcomed him with sweets, flowers, and a ceremonial tilak on his forehead.
This event is also believed to mark the origin of Bhai Dooj, symbolizing the bond of protection and love between siblings.

🌸 3. Symbolism in Ancient Traditions

The festival also reflects the importance of family unity and sibling affection in ancient Indian society.
It was a day when brothers would visit their married sisters, bringing gifts and blessings, reaffirming familial ties and ensuring their sisters’ well-being.
Historical references to such rituals appear in old Hindu texts, showing that Bhai Dooj has been celebrated since Vedic times.

📜 Etymology and Meaning

The word “Bhai” means brother, and “Dooj” (from Dwitiya) means the second day after the new moon (Amavasya).
Thus, Bhai Dooj literally means “the second day dedicated to brothers.”

💖 Historical Essence

Over time, Bhai Dooj evolved from a purely religious observance into a social and cultural festival. It is now a joyful occasion where families gather, brothers visit their sisters, and everyone celebrates the spirit of love, care, and togetherness.

Bhai Dooj is a beautiful festival that celebrates the bond of love, trust, and respect between brothers and sisters. It reminds us of the importance of family relationships and the value of caring for one another. Rooted in ancient traditions and mythology, the festival continues to hold great cultural and emotional significance even today. By performing the simple rituals of applying tilak, offering sweets, and exchanging gifts, siblings strengthen their connection and express their affection. Bhai Dooj teaches us that love and togetherness are the true essence of life and that festivals like these keep our traditions alive for generations to come.