Bhai Dooj 2026 is on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, in most panchangs. The Dwitiya tithi runs from about 2:00 PM on 10 November to 3:53 PM on 11 November, and the tilak is traditionally applied in the afternoon (aparahna) of 11 November, at about 1:10 PM to 3:20 PM in New Delhi, while the Dwitiya still prevails. Some calendars list Tuesday 10 November because the tithi begins that afternoon; follow your family's panchang.
Bhai Dooj 2026 at a glance
| New Delhi | |
|---|---|
| Date (most panchangs) | Wednesday, 11 November 2026 |
| Dwitiya tithi | about 2:00 PM, 10 Nov to 3:53 PM, 11 Nov |
| Tilak muhurat (aparahna) | about 1:10 PM to 3:20 PM, 11 Nov |
| Mumbai tilak window | about 1:30 PM to 3:45 PM |
The afternoon window depends on your city's sunrise and sunset. If the afternoon is impossible, many families apply the tilak in the morning while the Dwitiya is current.
What is Bhai Dooj?
Bhai Dooj is Kartik Shukla Dwitiya, two days after Diwali and the last of its five days. The sister applies a tilak to her brother's forehead, performs his aarti and prays for his long life; the brother gives her a gift and his word that he will stand by her. It is known as Bhau Beej in Maharashtra, Bhai Phonta in Bengal, Bhai Tika in Nepal, and Yama Dwitiya in the panchang.
The story of Yama and Yamuna
Yama, the lord of death, was so busy with his duties that he had not visited his sister Yamuna for a long time. On Kartik Shukla Dwitiya he finally came to her home. Overjoyed, she welcomed him with a tilak, an aarti and a feast. Pleased, Yama granted that any brother who receives a tilak from his sister on this day, and eats at her home, would be spared untimely death. That is why the day is called Yama Dwitiya.
Bhai Dooj puja vidhi: simple steps
- Prepare the thali: roli or kumkum, rice (akshat), a diya, sweets, a coconut or dry fruit, and flowers.
- Seat your brother facing north or east on a clean seat.
- Apply the tilak of roli and rice on his forehead during the muhurat.
- Perform aarti with the diya and pray for his long life and wellbeing.
- Feed him sweets with your own hand; many families share a full meal.
- The brother gives a gift and his blessing or promise to his sister.
In many homes a lamp is also lit facing south in Yama's honour. If you live far apart, a video call with the tilak applied at your end and sweets shared across the distance keeps the bond.
Bhai Dooj vs Raksha Bandhan
Both celebrate the sibling bond, about six months apart. Raksha Bandhan centres on the rakhi the sister ties; Bhai Dooj centres on the tilak and the meal at the sister's home.
The five days of Diwali 2026
- 6 November: Dhanteras. See our Dhanteras 2026 guide.
- 7 November: Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali)
- 8 November: Lakshmi Puja. See our Diwali 2026 guide.
- 9 November: Govardhan Puja
- 11 November: Bhai Dooj
The Complete Diwali Puja Vidhi 2026 covers all five days, including Bhai Dooj and Govardhan Puja, with the Lakshmi-Ganesh puja step by step, the Shri Suktam and every mantra with meaning. Instant PDF, ₹199.
See every date this season in our Hindu Festival Calendar 2026–27.
Frequently asked questions
When is Bhai Dooj in 2026?
Most panchangs list Wednesday, 11 November 2026. Some list Tuesday 10 November because the Dwitiya tithi begins that afternoon.
What is the Bhai Dooj tilak muhurat in 2026?
In New Delhi, about 1:10 PM to 3:20 PM on 11 November, in the afternoon while the Dwitiya still prevails. In Mumbai about 1:30 PM to 3:45 PM.
Why is Bhai Dooj also called Yama Dwitiya?
Because on this day Yama visited his sister Yamuna, who welcomed him with a tilak and a feast, and he blessed brothers who receive a tilak from their sisters on this day.
Can Bhai Dooj tilak be done in the morning?
The afternoon is preferred, but if that isn't possible, many families apply it in the morning while the Dwitiya tithi is current.
What should be in the Bhai Dooj thali?
Roli or kumkum, rice, a diya, sweets, flowers, and a coconut or dry fruit.
Customs vary between families and regions; where yours differ, follow your family's tradition.