When the fun of Holi starts to subside and the effect of colors gradually starts to diminish, then comes another holy festival—Bhai Dooj. This festival is a symbol of love and affection between brother and sister, which is celebrated two days after Holi every year. While Holi mixes the color of love between brother and sister, Bhai Dooj gives an opportunity to mix the sweetness of closeness and blessings in relationships.
Bhai Dooj: A sacred tradition
Bhai Dooj is also called ‘Bhratri Dwitiya’ or ‘Yama Dwitiya’, because this festival is celebrated on the second day of Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month. On this day, sisters perform special puja for the long life and happiness of their brother and wish for their bright future by applying tilak.
When is Holi Bhai Dooj?
According to the Drik Panchang, the second day of Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month will start at 2:33 pm on March 15, 2025. At the same time, it will conclude on March 16, 2025 at 4:58 pm. Udayatithi is recognized in the Sanatan tradition, so according to astrological calculations, this year the festival of Holi Bhai Dooj will be celebrated on Sunday, March 16, 2025.
Mythological belief: The story of Yamraj and Yamunaji
The most famous story associated with Bhai Dooj is that of Yamraj and Yamunaji. It is believed that Yamraj went to his sister Yamunaji’s house for the first time on this day. The sister lovingly applied tilak to him, served delicious dishes and welcomed him with affection. Yamraj was so pleased with this warm hospitality that he blessed the sister that whoever goes to his sister’s house on this day and gets tilak done, he will not have to fear Yamlok. Since then, this festival started being celebrated as a symbol of love and protection of brother and sister.
Sweetness of relationships after colors
While the face gets drenched with the shower of colors on Holi, the tilak applied by the sister on Bhai Dooj fills a different emotional color. This day is not just a festival of rituals, but of those unspoken feelings, which are associated with the memories and love of brother and sister.
How is Bhai Dooj celebrated?
Tilak and Aarti: Sisters apply tilak to their brother in the auspicious time and perform Aarti.
Sweets and dishes: On this day special dishes are made in homes, in which Gujia, Malpua and sweets are prominent.
Gifts and love: Brothers give gifts to their sisters and wish them a happy future.
Pledge of affection: This festival is also a day to strengthen the brother-sister relationship and pledge to fulfill the responsibilities towards each other.
Bhai Dooj is not just a ritual, but a precious moment in the brother-sister relationship. This festival reminds us that no matter how much the world changes, this relationship will always remain unbreakable. When sisters apply tilak on their brother’s forehead, it is as if they imprint the precious image of their affection and blessings in their life.
So on this Bhai Dooj, live this sweetness of relationships to the fullest, may the love of the sister and the protection of the brother always remain, this is my best wishes!
