Bhai Dooj 2025: Celebrate the Bond of Brothers & Sisters

Other than Rakshabandhan, Bhai Dooj also celebrates the eternal bond between a brother and a sister. This year, it falls on 23rd October 2025. 

Also known as Bhai Tika (Uttar Pradesh & Bihar), Bhau Beej (Maharashtra & Goa), Bhai Tihar (Nepal) and Bhai Phota (West Bengal), this festival is the concluding part of post-Diwali celebrations. 

This pious festival is special for both sisters and brothers, to surprise each other with unique gifts. Let’s know more about this joyful occasion in this blog.

Bhai Dooj: Story Behind The Festival

Like all Hindu festivals with mythological backgrounds, the story of Bhai Dooj traces back to the bond between Yamraj and his sister Yamuna. 

It all happened when the god of death visited her sister after a long time. Seeing her brother, she gets excited and prepares a feast in his honour, after applying a tilak on his forehead. 

Moved by her sisterly affection, Yamraj asks her for a boon, to which she asks him to visit every year, and from this day, if any brother visits her sister, he will be free from the fear of death. 

Fulfilling her boon, it became a practice and symbol of unconditional love a sister has for her brother. That is why Bhai Dooj is also known as Yama Dwitiya.

There is another mythological lore which revolves around the story of Lord Krishna and her sister Subhadra. 

According to belief, after killing the demon Narakasura, he visits her sister's house, where she welcomes him with sweets and flowers. 

After applying the tilak on his forehead, she wishes for his long life.

Significance & Rituals

Akin to Rakshabandhan, Bhai Dooj also represents the sacred relationship between a sister and a brother. On this occasion, sisters do the abhishek on their brother’s forehead with roli and akshat and aarti, followed by putting a sindoor, paan, and dried coconut on the brother’s palm. 

She also ties a sacred red thread (kalava) on his wrists, offers sweets of his choice, and prays for his longevity and good health. In return, the brother surprised her with a surprise gift. Afterwards, the sister prepares scrumptious meals for her brother and both spend a joyful moment together.

Best Gift Ideas For Sisters

On this upcoming Bhai Dooj 2025, don't let any chance slip away in surprising your sister with a thoughtful gift. On this auspicious day, you should acknowledge her unconditional love for you. Now, if you are wondering what to gift her, here are the thoughtful gift ideas to consider.

• Jewelery & accessories
• Personalised mug
• Customised photo frame
• Caricature cutout
• LED personalised lamp
• Self-care hampers
• Box of assorted chocolates
• Packaged sweets & dry fruits

Best Gift Ideas For Brothers

Regarding gift ideas for your brother on this Bhai Dooj, here are the options.

• Personalised wallets
• Mugs
• Customised keychains
• Photo frames
• Beard/body trimmers
• Deodorants
• Perfumes
• Skincare essentials
• Box of assorted chocolates
• Dry fruits
• Gourmet snacks
• Fitness trackers
• Smartwatches
• Wireless earbuds
• Slogan t-shirts that resonate with his personality and hobbies
• Customised waterbottle

Bhai Dooj Date & Time

• Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025
• Dwitiya Tithi Start: October 22, 8:16 PM
• Dwitiya Tithi End: October 23, 10:46 PM
• Bhai Dooj muhurat for Tilak: 1:13 PM to 3:28 PM

Final words

Bhai Dooj isn’t just a festival — it’s a heartfelt feeling that reflects the deep love between brothers and sisters. In this post, we’ve shared the stories behind the celebration and rounded up some amazing gift ideas to make your sibling’s day extra special.