भाई दूज
Bhai Dooj
The last day of Diwali, when sisters do tilak for their brothers and pray for their long life.
About Bhai Dooj
Bhai Dooj falls on Kartika Shukla Dwitiya, the fifth and final day of Diwali. It is also called Yama Dwitiya, Bhau Beej and Bhai Phonta.
Sisters apply tilak to their brothers, do aarti and feed them, and brothers give gifts in return. The tilak is traditionally done in the Aparahna muhurat, in the afternoon.
How to celebrate
Prepare a thali with roli, rice, a diya, sweets and a coconut.
Seat your brother facing north or east and apply tilak.
Do aarti, offer sweets and pray for his long life.
Brothers give a gift and promise to protect their sister.
The story
Yama, the god of death, visited his sister Yamuna on this day. She welcomed him with tilak and a meal, and he blessed every brother who visits his sister on Dwitiya with long life.
Questions
When is Bhai Dooj in 2026?
Bhai Dooj 2026 is on Wednesday, 11 November 2026. Shukla Dwitiya tithi begins at 2:00 PM on Tuesday 10 November and ends at 3:54 PM on Wednesday 11 November IST.
What is the Bhai Dooj muhurat in 2026?
In New Delhi, the aparahna muhurat is from 1:09 PM to 3:19 PM IST. Pick your city in the timings card to see local times.
What is the best time for Bhai Dooj tilak?
The Aparahna muhurat in the afternoon is considered best. The timings below are worked out for your city.
How is Bhai Dooj different from Raksha Bandhan?
On Raksha Bandhan sisters tie a rakhi. On Bhai Dooj they apply tilak and share a meal, remembering Yama and Yamuna.
Around Bhai Dooj
Coming up
- Karva ChauthThu 29 Oct
- Ahoi AshtamiSun 1 Nov
- Rama EkadashiThu 5 Nov
- DhanterasFri 6 Nov
- DiwaliSun 8 Nov
- Narak ChaturdashiSun 8 Nov
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