Bhratri Dwitiya: Celebrating the Cherished Bond Between Brothers and Sisters

By Oneindia Staff

Updated: Wednesday, October 22, 2025, 7:14 [IST]

Bhratri Dwitiya, also known as Bhai Dooj or Yama Dwitiya, is a cherished Hindu festival celebrated across India. It falls on Wednesday, 22nd October 2025. This festival is dedicated to the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters pray for their brothers' long life and success, similar to Rakshabandhan. The festival is a beautiful expression of family bonding and sibling love.

Bhratri Dwitiya holds great significance as it is believed that on this day, Yamaraja, the God of Death, visited his sister Yamuna. She welcomed him with aarti and applied a vermilion tilak on his forehead. This act symbolises the sister's prayers for her brother's well-being. It is believed that brothers who receive a tilak from their sisters on this day will never experience hell.

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Bhratri Dwitiya, also called Bhai Dooj or Yama Dwitiya, is a Hindu festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters, occurring on Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025 where sisters pray for their brothers' well-being and success. This festival originates from legends involving Yamaraja and his sister Yamuna, or Lord Krishna and his sister.

Bhratri Dwitiya Celebrating Sibling Bonds

The historical story behind Bhratri Dwitiya involves Yamaraja visiting his sister Yamuna. She greeted him with aarti and sweets, expressing her love and care. Impressed by her affection, Yamaraja declared this day as Bhai Dooj. He stated that sisters should perform aarti and apply tilak on their brothers' foreheads, and brothers should reciprocate with gifts. Another legend says Lord Krishna returned home after defeating Narakasura on this day. His sister welcomed him with aarti and flowers.

Rituals of Bhratri Dwitiya

The key ritual of Bhratri Dwitiya involves sisters marking their brothers' foreheads with a seven-coloured long tika. This tika is a symbol of protection and blessings. After the tika ceremony, brothers give valuable gifts to their sisters as a token of love. Taking a dip in the Yamuna river is also considered highly pious during this festival.

How Bhratri Dwitiya is Celebrated

Bhratri Dwitiya is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm across India. Sisters perform the tika ceremony for their brothers, followed by exchanging gifts. Families come together to celebrate the bond between siblings. Although there is no specific food associated with the festival, families often prepare traditional dishes to enjoy together.

Attire for Bhratri Dwitiya

During Bhratri Dwitiya, people often wear ethnic attire to mark the occasion. Men may choose to wear Kurta Pajama or Dhoti Kurta, while women might opt for Saree or Salwar Kurta. These traditional outfits add to the festive spirit and make the celebrations more vibrant.