Bhai Dooj 2025 will be observed on Thursday, October 23, 2025 in London, United Kingdom. This significant festival, also known as Yama Dwitiya, celebrates the special bond between brothers and sisters. Bhai Dooj date and time 2025 will fall within the Dwitiya Tithi, which begins at 15:46 on October 22, 2025, and ends at 18:16 on October 23, 2025 (London time). Sisters perform the Tika ceremony, praying for their brothers' long and happy lives, while brothers reciprocate by gifting presents to their sisters. This festival is widely celebrated across India and has various regional names, including Bhau Beej, Bhatra Dwitiya, and Bhai Dwitiya.
Bhai Dooj is celebrated on the fifth day after Diwali and marks the concluding day of the Diwali festivities. The mythology behind the festival relates to the bond between Lord Yama, the God of Death, and his sister Yami. According to the legend, Yama visited his sister on this day, and she performed the Tika ceremony, inviting him to her home and offering food. In return, Yama granted his sister a boon that all brothers who visit their sisters on this day will have a long and prosperous life. For complete details on the Diwali 2025 date, time, and celebrations in the UK, visit our comprehensive guide to stay informed about the entire festival season.
On Bhaiya Dooj, sisters pray for the long life and well-being of their brothers by performing the Tika ceremony. They apply a tilak (vermilion) on their brother’s forehead, and in some regions, a special Puja is performed for Yama. The brothers, in turn, present gifts to their sisters, symbolizing their love and gratitude. In many homes, Bhai Dooj is also seen as a day to bond, with family members coming together to share meals and enjoy each other's company.
The Panchang for Bhai Dooj suggests that the ideal time for the Tika ceremony and rituals falls during Dwitiya Tithi, which is from 15:46 on October 22, 2025, until 18:16 on October 23, 2025. During this period, it is believed that the blessings are most auspicious. As with all rituals in Hinduism, performing the ceremony during the correct Muhurat ensures that the prayers and blessings are most effective.
While Bhai Dooj is a significant festival in India, it is also becoming increasingly popular among the Indian diaspora in the UK. Families in London and other parts of the UK celebrate this festival with similar enthusiasm as in India. The day is marked by heartfelt celebrations, family gatherings, and exchanges of gifts and blessings.
Pongal is a four-day festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu and across Tamil communities globally to express gratitude to nature for a bountiful harvest. The festival, dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, marks the beginning of the Tamil month of Thai and the harvest season. In 2025, Pongal will be celebrated from Tuesday, January 14 to Friday, January 17. The four days are: Bhogi (January 14, 2025), dedicated to Lord Indra and marking the clearing of old possessions; Thai Pongal (January 15, 2025), the main day for thanking the Sun God for the harvest; Mattu Pongal (January 16, 2025), honoring cattle for their role in agriculture; and Kaanum Pongal (January 17, 2025), a day for family reunions and social celebrations. These days are filled with rituals, significance, and joy, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Tamil communities worldwide.
Ahoi Ashtami, a revered festival for mothers, will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. This festival holds special significance for women who fast for the health and wellbeing of their children. Traditionally observed for sons, the modern-day observance includes prayers for the wellbeing of both sons and daughters. The fast is broken during twilight after sighting the stars in the sky, which will occur at 18:24 in London on this day. For those who follow the custom of breaking the fast after moonrise, the moon will rise at 22:14 on Ahoi Ashtami.
Ahoi Ashtami, a significant Hindu festival dedicated to the wellbeing of children, will be celebrated on October 13, 2025. The festival, observed mainly by mothers, involves fasting and performing prayers for the health and prosperity of sons and daughters. The Ahoi Ashtami Puja Muhurat for 2025 is from 18:11 to 19:30 (UK time). This auspicious occasion is marked by devotion and rituals, with many families gathering to perform the prayers at home or at community temples.
Akshaya Navami 2024 in the UK falls on Sunday, November 10. Observed during the Kartik month, this auspicious day marks the beginning of Satya Yuga, known as Satya Yugadi. In London, the Purvahna time for Akshaya Navami is 07:11 to 11:44, with Navami Tithi starting at 17:15 on November 9 and ending at 15:31 on November 10.
In 2024, Pausha Amavasya will be observed on Monday, 30th December, marking the new moon day in the Pausha month of the Hindu calendar. The Amavasya Tithi begins at 22:31 on 29th December 2024 and ends at 22:26 on 30th December 2024. This day is significant in Hindu tradition, particularly for performing rituals related to Shraddha, worshipping ancestors, and offering prayers for their peace and blessings. Many devotees also observe Kalasarpa Dosha puja on this day to eliminate any doshas related to the placement of planets in their horoscope.
Arudra Darshan 2025, an important Tamil festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, will be observed on Sunday, 12th January 2025. This day is celebrated with great devotion across Tamil households and temples worldwide, including the UK, where the Tamil and Hindu communities mark it with traditional fervour. The festival falls on the auspicious Thiruvaathirai Nakshatram during the Tamil month of Maargazhi Masam, coinciding with Pournami (Full Moon).
Banada Ashtami 2025 will be observed on 7th January (Tuesday) in London. The Ashtami Tithi begins at 12:53 PM on 6th January and ends at 10:56 AM on 7th January. This marks the start of Shakambhari Navratri, which concludes on 13th January.
Bangladesh is currently grappling with rising communal tensions as violence against the Hindu minority escalates. With over 200 attacks on temples reported since August 2024 and the recent arrest of ISKCON monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, the situation has sparked widespread protests and international concern. Radical groups are intensifying their campaigns against Hindu establishments, while the Bangladeshi government faces mounting criticism for its handling of the crisis. Amid calls for justice and protection, neighbouring India has stepped in to urge Bangladesh to safeguard its religious minorities and ensure communal harmony.
Basant Panchami, also known as Vasant Panchami, will be celebrated on Sunday, 2nd February 2025. This joyous festival marks the beginning of spring and is an important occasion for Hindus in the UK and worldwide. It is particularly dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, music, and the arts. Basant Panchami holds special significance for the Indian diaspora in the UK, where temples and cultural organisations commemorate it with devotion and community activities.
Bhai Dooj, celebrated on 3rd November 2024, marks the final day of the five-day Diwali festival. This special occasion honours the unique bond between brothers and sisters, emphasising love, protection, and familial ties. The auspicious Bhai Dooj Muhurat in UK is from 12:41 PM to 2:35 PM, a time considered ideal for performing the rituals. Many siblings take this opportunity to express their affection through thoughtful gestures, gifts, and sweets, reinforcing the importance of their relationship.