New Delhi, October 23, 2025:
As the festive season of lights winds down, India is celebrating Bhai Dooj 2025, a heart-warming festival that honors the sacred bond between brothers and sisters. Today, schools, colleges, and banks across multiple states remain closed, giving families a chance to come together for rituals, feasts, and celebrations.
This year, Bhai Dooj falls on Thursday, October 23, two days after Diwali, marking the fifth and final day of the five-day Deepavali festival cycle. The festival is also known as Bhaiya Duj, Bhai Phota, or Bhau-Beej in different regions of India.
“Bhai Dooj isn’t just a holiday — it’s a celebration of unconditional love between siblings,” says Dr. Meenakshi Verma, a Delhi-based cultural expert. “It symbolizes the protective bond and lifelong connection that binds families together.”
🔹 Bank and School Holidays on October 23
The Reserve Bank of India’s holiday calendar confirms that banks will remain closed in major states like Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, and Gujarat for Bhai Dooj and other regional observances. Customers are advised to plan cash withdrawals and bank visits accordingly.
Similarly, state education departments have declared school and college closures in most north and central Indian states. Some southern states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, however, continue regular academic sessions today since Bhai Dooj is not a public holiday there.
State-wise update:
| State/UT | Holiday Status | Occasion |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | Schools & banks closed | Bhai Dooj celebration |
| Uttar Pradesh | Public holiday | Bhaiya Dooj |
| Maharashtra | Banks closed in Mumbai zone | Bhau-Beej |
| Gujarat | Bank holiday and market closure | Bhai Bija |
| Bihar & Jharkhand | School holiday | Chitragupta Puja & Bhai Dooj |
| West Bengal | Holiday as Bhai Phota | Regional festival |
| Tamil Nadu, Kerala | No holiday | Normal working day |
“Our school announced a two-day Diwali break ending with Bhai Dooj,” shared Ananya Kumar, a student from Lucknow. “It’s the perfect time to be with my family after the exams season.”
🔹 The Story and Significance of Bhai Dooj
According to Hindu tradition, Bhai Dooj is rooted in the story of Lord Yamraj and his sister Yamuna. On this day, the Yamuna invited her brother to her home, applied a ceremonial tilak on his forehead, and offered him a meal with love and affection. Touched by her devotion, Yamraj declared that any brother who receives a tilak from his sister on this day will be blessed with a long life and prosperity.
Since then, the ritual has symbolized protection, care, and family unity. Sisters pray for their brothers’ well-being and in return, brothers offer gifts and a promise of lifelong support.
🔹 Festive Scenes Across India
Across North India, markets are buzzing with gift boxes, sweets, and handmade rakhis. Families are seen exchanging traditional sweets like soan papdi, barfi, and laddoo, while children enjoy holiday movies and fireworks.
In Maharashtra and Gujarat, Bhai Dooj — known as Bhau Beej or Bhai Bij — is celebrated with special meals and coconut sweets. In West Bengal, Bhai Phota is a deeply emotional family event where sisters apply sandalwood paste and feed their brothers curd and sweets.
“Every year, Bhai Phota brings our entire family together,” says Kolkata resident Soma Banerjee. “We may live in different cities now, but this day is non-negotiable.”
🔹 Rituals and Auspicious Timings
As per the Hindu Panchang, the Aparahna Muhurat for Bhai Dooj 2025 begins at 01:10 PM and ends at 03:30 PM. During this period, sisters apply the tilak and perform the aarti, followed by a meal with their brothers. Many families exchange gifts or donate to charities as a gesture of gratitude and prosperity.
🔹 Travel and Festive Economy Impact
Transportation and markets have seen a significant uptick since the Diwali week began. According to a Federation of Retail Traders report, retail sales in festive goods and gifts are up by 18 percent compared to last year. Tourist destinations like Varanasi, Jaipur, and Goa are seeing high hotel occupancy rates.
“People are using the Bhai Dooj holiday to travel home or take short vacations,” said travel agent Rahul Taneja from Delhi. “The extended week has boosted local tourism massively.”
🔹 A Festival of Bond and Blessings
Beyond the rituals and holidays, Bhai Dooj 2025 is a reminder of India’s family-centric culture and the values of love and gratitude. In a fast-moving world, festivals like this encourage people to pause and appreciate their closest relationships.
“The essence of Bhai Dooj lies in connection,” said psychologist Dr. Pooja Kapoor. “Even in urban India, where families live apart, this festival strengthens emotional ties.”
