Tue Oct 21 02:20:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

The article discusses Bhai Dooj, a Hindu festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters, also known as Yama Dwitiya. It marks the end of the five-day Diwali festival. The article clarifies the date for Bhai Dooj in 2025 (October 23rd), provides the auspicious timing (Shubh Muhurat) for the Tilak ceremony, explains the associated rituals, and recounts the mythological story of Yama and his sister Yamuna, which underlines the significance of the festival in ensuring a brother’s long life and well-being. It also emphasizes the importance of the brother-sister bond and the mutual promises of protection and care.

News Article:

Bhai Dooj 2025: Celebrate the Brother-Sister Bond on October 23rd – Auspicious Timings and Rituals Revealed

New Delhi, [Date – Insert Date of Publication, e.g., October 15, 2024]: As the Diwali festivities draw to a close, Hindus prepare to celebrate Bhai Dooj on October 23rd, 2025. This auspicious festival, also known as Yama Dwitiya or Bhatri Dwitiya, strengthens the cherished bond between brothers and sisters, symbolizing love, protection, and mutual respect.

While there may have been some initial confusion regarding the date, according to the Hindu Panchang, the Dwitiya Tithi (second lunar day) of the Kartik month will commence at 8:16 PM on October 22nd, 2025, and conclude at 10:46 PM on October 23rd, 2025, making the latter the day of celebration.

The most auspicious time (Shubh Muhurat) for the Tilak ceremony will be from 1:13 PM to 3:28 PM on October 23rd. During this time, sisters will perform the traditional Tilak ceremony, applying a mark of vermillion or sandalwood paste to their brother’s forehead, bestowing blessings for a long and prosperous life.

The festival’s origins lie in the mythological tale of Yama, the god of death, visiting his sister Yamuna on Kartik Shukla Dwitiya. Yamuna welcomed him with a delicious meal and performed the Tilak ceremony. Pleased with her devotion, Yama granted a boon: any brother who receives a Tilak from his sister on this day will be spared from untimely death and blessed with longevity.

How to Celebrate Bhai Dooj:

  • Sisters create a square (Chowk) using rice flour.
  • Brothers face East or North during the ceremony.
  • Sisters apply a Tilak using Roli or sandalwood paste and place Akshat (unbroken rice grains) on their brother’s forehead.
  • A Kalawa (sacred thread) is tied on the brother’s right wrist.
  • Sweets are offered to the brother.
  • A ghee lamp is lit, and an Aarti is performed.
  • The sister prays for her brother’s long life and well-being.
  • Brothers touch their sister’s feet to receive blessings and offer gifts in return.

Bhai Dooj serves as a beautiful reminder of the enduring love and commitment between siblings. As sisters pray for their brothers’ well-being and brothers pledge to protect their sisters, this festival strengthens family bonds and reinforces the values of love and care.

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