Once the glow of Diwali begins to wane, Indian homes across the world light up once more—this time to celebrate Bhaubeej, also known as Bhai Dooj or Bhai Bij, the festival that honors the cherished bond between brothers and sisters. Falling on the second day (Dwitiya) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the Hindu month of Kartik, Bhaubeej concludes the festive season of lights with warmth, devotion, and familial love.

In 2025, Bhaubeej was celebrated on Thursday, October 23, with the auspicious Dwitiya Tithi beginning at 8:16 PM on October 22 and ending at 10:46 PM on October 23 (IST). The most favorable Tilak Muhurat is between 1:13 PM and 3:28 PM (IST), corresponding roughly to early morning hours in the United States (3:43 AM – 6:58 AM EDT). Families abroad often choose to observe the ritual during their local afternoon, within the Tithi period, while preserving the festival’s spirit and sanctity.

The essence and significance

Bhaubeej is a day dedicated to reaffirming the sacred relationship between siblings. The word “Bhai” means brother, while “Dooj” or “Bij” refers to the second lunar day. Together, they signify the love, trust, and protection shared between a brother and sister. According to Lord, Yama, the God of death, visited his sister Yamuna on this day. She welcomed him with a Tilak, sweets, and Aarti, praying for his long life. Deeply moved, Yama declared that any brother who receives a Tilak from his sister on this day would be blessed with prosperity and long life. Another story connects the day with Lord Krishna and his sister Subhadra, who welcomed him after he slew the demon Narakasura.

Thus, Bhaubeej symbolizes love, protection, and divine blessing—a celebration of how family ties can transcend even the boundaries of life and death. It serves as a reminder that loving bonds and prayers rooted in love are among life’s most powerful protections.

Rituals and Traditions

On Bhaubeej morning, sisters prepare a Puja Thali adorned with a Diya (lamp), Kumkum, rice grains, flowers, sweets, and coconut. The brother is invited to sit on a decorative seat or wooden stool (patla). The sister applies a Tilak on his forehead, performs Aarti, and prays for his long life and success. The brother, in return, offers gifts or blessings as a token of gratitude and promises lifelong protection.

In Maharashtra, the festival is called Bhaubeej, often marked with traditional sweets like Puran Poli and coconut laddoos. In West Bengal, it is observed as Bhai Phonta, where sandalwood paste and vermilion Tilak are applied. In Nepal, Bhai Tika includes elaborate rituals and multi-colored Tilaks symbolizing protection from all directions. In every region, however, the essence remains unchanged—a celebration of care, trust, and togetherness.

Sacred Chants and Mantras

During the Tilak and Aarti, sisters often recite simple prayers for their brothers’ well-being. A few traditional verses include:

1.     Blessing in Hindi:
“Tilak karein hum bhai ka, lambi umar ho aapki
Sukh aur samriddhi aaye jeevan mein, yehi dua hai humari.”
(May this Tilak bless you with a long life, happiness, and prosperity.)

2.     Sanskrit Mantra for well-being:
“ॐ स्वस्ति भद्राणि शुभानि, पूर्णं भवतु ते। आयुष्मान् दीर्घायुः।”
(May all auspicious things be with you; may you live long and prosper.)

3.     Ritual Mantra from Yamuna:
“भ्रातस्तवानुजातः अहं भुञ्क्ष्व भक्तमिमं शुभं।
प्रीतये यमराजस्य यमुना या विशेषतः॥”
(O brother, accept this sacred offering made in the spirit of Yamuna’s devotion to Yama.)

4.     Devotional verse connecting the divine siblings:
“गंगा पूजे यमुना को, यमी पूजे यमराज को।
सुभद्रा पूजे कृष्ण को, गंगा यमुना नीर बहे, मेरे भाई आप बढ़ें फूले फलें॥”
(As Ganga worships Yamuna, and Yami worships Yama,
may my brother flourish like the sacred rivers that flow eternally.)

Spiritual and social importance

Beyond lore and ritual, Bhaubeej reinforces the cultural value of family unity. It reminds society of the deep emotional bond that holds siblings together even in times of challenge. It is also a festival of gratitude—of sisters who pray for their brothers’ safety, and of brothers who vow lifelong protection and respect. In today’s busy world and physical distances, Bhaubeej rekindles the warmth of shared traditions and brings families together—whether across cities or continents. It is a celebration of not only kinship but also continuity of devotion, and love that defies time.

As lamps glow once again after Diwali, Bhaubeej renews the message of strength and bondage within relationships—that love, when selfless and sincere, becomes divine protection in itself. Whether performed with ancient mantras or heartfelt silence, the essence remains, a sister’s prayer and a brother’s promise both eternal in the rhythm of family and faith.