Go Unlimited with Magzter GOLD
Get unlimited access to 10,000+ magazines, newspapers and Premium stories for just
Try GOLD - Free
From Yamuna to today: The evolution of Bhai Dooj through centuries
The Business Guardian
|October 23, 2025
As the flicker of Diwali diyas softens into a golden glow, India celebrates the tender finale of the festival of lights — Bhai Dooj, a day devoted to the bond between brothers and sisters.
But while the rituals of aarti, tilak, and sweets remain timeless, the festival's essence has travelled through centuries of change — from mythological legends to modern expressions of sibling love.
Let's take a journey from the sacred banks of the Yamuna to the living rooms of urban India, tracing how Bhai Dooj has evolved with time while holding on to its heart.
The story of Bhai Dooj begins with an ancient Hindu legend. According to mythology, Lord Yama, the god of death, once visited his sister Yamuna after a long separation. Yamuna welcomed her brother with love — applying a tilak on his forehead, performing an aarti, and serving him delicious food. Moved by her affection, Yama declared that any brother who visits his sister on this day would be blessed with a long and prosperous life.
Thus, the festival came to be known as Yamadwitiya — falling on thesecond lunar day (Dwitiya) of Shukla Paksha in the Kartik month, symbolizing love, protection, and the eternal bond between siblings.
Over time, Bhai Dooj spread across regions, adopting new names and customs while keeping the sentiment unchanged.
In North India, it's called Bhai Dooj or Bhaiya Dooj.
This story is from the October 23, 2025 edition of The Business Guardian.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Business Guardian
The Business Guardian
Innovatiview wins ‘Electronic Security Solutions Provider of the Year’ 2025
Innovatiview, a technology solutions provider specializing in integrated examination security solutions, has been awarded with the 'Electronic Security Solutions Provider of the Year' at the 2nd Annual BW Security World Excellence Awards 2025.
1 min
October 23, 2025
The Business Guardian
Ministry to hold Open House on steel import issues on October 27
The Ministry of Steel will conduct an ‘Open House’ to discuss issues related to the import of steel on October 27, 2025, at Udyog Bhavan here in the national capital, the ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.
1 min
October 23, 2025
The Business Guardian
KLEF University marks milestone with three successful student satellites
In a historic stride for student-led space innovation and technology demonstration, KL Deemed to be University (KLEF) successfully launched its three student-built satellites -- KLSAT-2 (2U CubeSat), KLJAC (Lightweight Pico Balloon Satellite), and CanSat (4U Module) -- from its Vaddeswaram Campus, marking a defining moment in the institution’s pursuit of indigenous space technology and research excellence.
1 mins
October 23, 2025
The Business Guardian
GST reforms to boost Ladakh’s economy
The sweeping GST rationalisation reforms that took effect this Navratri have benefits for all walks of people in some form or the other.
1 mins
October 23, 2025
The Business Guardian
True Tourism XP promotes scam-free, human-centered travel planning
As travellers increasingly rely on digital platforms to plan holidays, clarity andtrusthave become harder to find.
1 mins
October 23, 2025
The Business Guardian
UCO Bank to add another 150 branches by March to expand business
State-owned UCO Bank plans to add another 150 branches in the next five months in a bid to expand its presence and business.
1 mins
October 23, 2025
The Business Guardian
Zupee Studio hits 10 million downloads
Zupee Studio, India's fastest-growing short-form entertainment app from Zupee, has surpassed 10 million downloads on Google Play Store within months of launch, said a company release.
1 min
October 23, 2025
The Business Guardian
Civilisational roots of diplomacy doctrine of Bharat
In recent years, India’s foreign policy has undergone a quiet yet profound shift in how the nation sees itself and presents itself to the world.
6 mins
October 23, 2025
The Business Guardian
RBI Bulletin says India's economy remains resilient globally
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in its latest State of the Economy article published in the RBI Bulletin of October 2025, noted that while the Indian economy is not immune to global headwinds, it continues to demonstrate resilience.
1 min
October 23, 2025
The Business Guardian
1,480 APPRENTICES TRAINED IN AI ROLES UNDER NAPS-2 SINCE FY23
India is advancing AI-driven education and workforce development through the Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR) program under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS-2).
4 mins
October 23, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size