Mumbai: Holi Bhai Dooj holds immense significance in Hindu tradition, symbolising the deep bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters apply a ceremonial tilak on their brother’s forehead and tie a sacred thread (raksha sutra) around their wrist, praying for their long life, good health, and success. This festival is celebrated twice a year—once after Holi and again after Diwali. The post-Holi Bhai Dooj is observed on the second day of the waning phase of the moon in the Hindu month of Chaitra. It is also known by various names, including Bhai Tika, Bhau Beej, Bhai Beej, Bhai Phonta, and Bhratri Dwitiya.
As per the Hindu calendar, Holi Bhai Dooj in 2025 will be observed on 16 March. The Dwitiya Tithi (second lunar day) begins at 2:33 PM on 15 March and ends at 4:58 PM on 16 March. Since Hindu traditions consider the rising date (Udaya Tithi) for celebrations, this year’s Holi Bhai Dooj will be marked on 16 March 2025.
On this day, sisters invite their brothers for a special meal and welcome them warmly. The brother is seated on a designated seat (chowki), facing the north-west direction. The sister then applies a tilak made of kumkum and rice grains on his forehead and presents a coconut while praying for his prosperity, happiness, and long life. In return, brothers give gifts to their sisters as a token of love and appreciation. The ritual concludes with a traditional feast.
While performing the tilak ceremony, sisters recite a sacred mantra to invoke divine blessings. The ritual involves placing a handful of rice grains on the brother’s hands, along with flowers, betel leaves, and betel nuts. As water is poured, the following mantra is chanted:
“Ganga Pooje Yamuna Ko, Yami Pooje Yamraj Ko.
Subhadra Pooje Krishna Ko,
Ganga Yamuna Neer Bahe,
Mere bhai aap badhe, phoolen phalen. “
Holi Bhai Dooj celebrates the unbreakable bond between siblings. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Yamraj, the God of Death, once visited his sister Yami’s house, where she performed the tilak ceremony and offered him food. Pleased with her devotion, Yamraj blessed her and proclaimed that any brother who visits his married sister’s home, partakes in a meal, and receives a tilak on Bhai Dooj will be protected from untimely death.
This festival is a beautiful expression of love and commitment between siblings, reinforcing the traditional values of family and protection.
(Disclaimer: This article is based on traditional beliefs and religious practices. News9 Live does not guarantee the outcomes of the rituals or remedies mentioned above.)
