Bhai Dooj is an Indian festival that celebrates the bond of siblings. It is celebrated two days after the Diwali festival and is a unique festival that brings siblings closer. Bhai Dooj is celebrated in different ways around the country, but Tilak and Aarti are two common traditions of this festival. This festival has a heartwarming essence. 

Bhai Dooj is an Indian festival of brothers and sisters where sisters perform Aarti and put a Tilak on their brother’s forehead. In return, brothers promise to protect their sisters from demons and evil. This is a festival of protection, well-being and sibling bond that makes it very unique.

Bhai Dooj is an Indian festival that has its roots in Hindu mythology. It is believed that Lord Krishna visited his sister on this day after defeating the demon Narkasura. In return, his sister performed Aarti and put a Tilak on his head, praying for his safety and prosperity. Another story tied to this day is the one of Yama and Yamuna. Yamuna once invited her brother Yama and welcomed him with sweets, Aarti and Tilak. Yama was touched by this gesture and granted a blessing of sacred bond and never-ending love to all brothers and sisters who performed this ritual. Since then, this day holds a special place in Indian tradition. 

Bhai Dooj is celebrated two days after the Diwali festival. This day is also known as the new moon day or Amavasya. It falls during the Karthik month of the Hindu calendar. Bhai Dooj 2025 is on 23rd October 2025.

Bhai Dooj is celebrated with different local rituals around the country. Despite its varying rituals, Tilak and Aarti are two important parts of this day. The festival starts with sisters putting Tilak (a ceremonial mark) on their brother's forehead and performing Aarti, praying to God for their brother's well-being and prosperity. Post this, sisters offer different types of sweets, often followed by Bhai Dooj gifts for brothers. Brothers promise to protect their sisters throughout their lives, against evil. In addition, brothers also offer different types of Bhai Dooj gifts for sisters and blessings to their dear sisters on this day. After this small ritual, brothers and sisters often spend the day together, sharing love and a unique bond.

Take a look at this table for details on Bhai Dooj Muhurat, according to the Hindu calendar: 

Bhai Dooj is a day that celebrates the true bond between brothers and sisters. The cultural significance of Bhai Dooj is beautiful, as it includes: 

• Honouring Sibling Relations

Through the ritual of putting Tilak and performing Aarti, sisters pray for the well-being of their brothers, and brothers promise to protect them against all evils.

• Instilling Values

This day is a great way of learning the importance of love and respect between siblings. 

• Promoting Spiritual Blessings

An important part of celebrating Bhai Dooj is prayers and blessings that ensure the protection of siblings. 

• Reuniting Siblings

On the occasion of Bhai Dooj, siblings, even after staying in different parts of the country, unite on this day to celebrate their love and unique bond.

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Bhai Dooj is a festival of siblings, and therefore, visiting your siblings on this day holds great significance. Here’s how you can travel for the Bhai Dooj celebration in any part of the country:

• By Air

You can book flight tickets for a convenient and comfortable experience.

• By Rail

Railways offer easy and direct connectivity to different states and cities. You can book rail tickets by redRail in advance to avoid the rush.

• By Bus 

Buses are available for both inter- and intra-state travel. You can book your bus tickets with redBus to avail offers, access luxury buses and more.