Bhai Dooj 2026: Quick Answer
Bhai Dooj (Bhaiya Dooj, Yama Dwitiya, Bhau Beej) 2026 falls on Wednesday, 11 November 2026. The Aparahna tilak muhurat in New Delhi is 1:10 PM to 3:20 PM (2 hours 10 minutes). The Dwitiya tithi runs from 2:00 PM on 10 November to 3:53 PM on 11 November. Sisters apply tilak to their brothers, perform aarti and pray for their long life; brothers give gifts and promise protection.
| Detail | Timing |
|---|---|
| Bhai Dooj | Wednesday, 11 November 2026 |
| Dwitiya begins | 2:00 PM, 10 Nov |
| Dwitiya ends | 3:53 PM, 11 Nov |
| Aparahna tilak muhurat – New Delhi | 1:10 PM – 3:20 PM |
| Mumbai | 1:30 PM – 3:46 PM |
| Chennai | 1:02 PM – 3:21 PM |
| Rahu Kaal, Delhi (avoid, approx.) | 12:04 PM – 1:25 PM |
Why 11 November and Not 10 November?
Bhai Dooj is observed on Kartik Shukla Dwitiya in the Aparahna (afternoon). On 10 November, Dwitiya begins only at 2:00 PM, so most of the Aparahna is still Pratipada (Govardhan Puja day). On 11 November, Dwitiya covers the whole Aparahna until 3:53 PM. Hence 11 November is correct.
The Story of Yama and Yamuna
Yamraj, the god of death, and Yamuna were twin children of Surya (the Sun) and Sanjna. Yamuna loved her brother dearly and invited him repeatedly to her home, but Yama, busy with his duties, kept postponing. Finally, on Kartik Shukla Dwitiya, he visited her. Overjoyed, Yamuna welcomed him with a tilak, aarti and a delicious meal. Pleased, Yama offered her a boon. She asked that every year on this day he should visit her, and that any brother who receives tilak from his sister on this day and eats at her home would be free from the fear of untimely death. Yama granted it — hence the name Yama Dwitiya. Bathing in the Yamuna on this day is considered especially meritorious, especially at Mathura's Vishram Ghat.
Bhai Dooj Puja Vidhi (Summary)
- 1The sister prepares a thali: roli, akshat, kalava, a ghee lamp, sweets, coconut (gola), paan, supari and flowers.
- 2The brother sits on a stool facing north or east; the sister faces him.
- 3She applies roli-akshat tilak, ties kalava, offers a gola and paan, and performs aarti.
- 4She feeds him sweets and, ideally, a meal she has cooked.
- 5The brother touches her feet (if she is elder) or blesses her, and gives a gift.
For a step-by-step method with mantras and regional variations, read Bhai Dooj tilak vidhi.
Chitragupta Puja (11 November)
The Kayastha community worships Lord Chitragupta, keeper of the records of deeds, on Yama Dwitiya. Pens, inkpots and account books are worshipped (Kalam-Dawat Puja), and people write their income and expenses and a prayer on paper as an offering.
Regional Names
- •Bhaiya Dooj / Bhai Dooj – North India
- •Bhau Beej – Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka
- •Bhai Phonta – Bengal (Phonta = tilak)
- •Bhai Tika – Nepal (on the last day of Tihar)
- •Bhai Bij – Gujarat
If the Brother Lives Far Away
The sister can apply tilak to a picture of her brother or to Lord Ganesha on his behalf, perform the aarti and send sweets. A video call during the muhurat keeps the bond alive. A brother without a sister may receive tilak from a cousin or a respected woman of the family.
Summary
Bhai Dooj 2026 is on Wednesday, 11 November. Apply tilak in the Aparahna — 1:10–3:20 PM in Delhi (1:30–3:46 PM in Mumbai) — before Dwitiya ends at 3:53 PM. It concludes the five-day Diwali festival with love between siblings.
