Bhai Dooj, also called Yama Dwitiya, is celebrated on the third day of Diwali across India. Known in Sanskrit as Bhagini Hasta Bhojana, it goes by many regional names, including Bhaiya Dooj, Bhau Beej, Bhatra Dwitiya, Bhai Dwitiya, and Bhatru Dwitiya. On this day, sisters pray for their brothers’ long life and happiness, apply tilak, tie a sacred thread, perform aarti, and feed them sweets. Brothers, in return, bless their sisters and give gifts.

The festival is deeply connected to Yamraj, the god of death, and his sister Yamuna, and has a fascinating mythological story behind it.

Bhai Dooj 2025 Timings

• Start: October 22, 2025, 08:16 PM

• End: October 23, 2025, 10:46 PM

• Puja Muhurta: 01:13 PM – 03:28 PM

The Story Behind Bhai Dooj

Yamuna and Yamaraj were born to Chaya, wife of Lord Surya. Yamuna often invited her brother for a meal, but he was always busy and declined. On the second day of the bright fortnight of Kartik, Yamaraj suddenly arrived at Yamuna’s home.

Overjoyed, Yamuna welcomed him with love and hospitality. Pleased with her devotion, Yamaraj granted her a boon. Yamuna requested that any sister who applies tilak to her brother and feeds him on this day should be free from fear of Yamraj. Yamaraj consented, saying "Tathastu," and returned to Yampuri.

Since then, this tradition has continued, and it is believed that brothers who bathe in the Yamuna and accept their sisters’ hospitality on Bhai Dooj are protected from Yamraj’s fear.