Bhai Dooj Tilak Time 2026: Quick Answer
The right time for Bhai Dooj tilak on Wednesday, 11 November 2026 is the Aparahna (afternoon) period while Dwitiya prevails — 1:10 PM to 3:20 PM in New Delhi and 1:16 PM to 3:27 PM in Jaipur. Since Rahu Kaal on this Wednesday overlaps the start of the window (about 12:04–1:25 PM in Delhi and 12:12–1:33 PM in Jaipur), the best practical time is about 1:25–3:20 PM in Delhi and 1:33–3:27 PM in Jaipur. Dwitiya ends at 3:53 PM everywhere in India.
City-wise Aparahna Muhurat (11 November 2026)
| City | Aparahna tilak time |
|---|---|
| New Delhi | 1:10 – 3:20 PM |
| Jaipur | 1:16 – 3:27 PM |
| Chandigarh | 1:11 – 3:19 PM |
| Lucknow | 12:56 – 3:07 PM |
| Patna | 12:39 – 2:51 PM |
| Kolkata | 12:27 – 2:41 PM |
| Ahmedabad | 1:30 – 3:43 PM |
| Mumbai | 1:30 – 3:46 PM |
| Pune | 1:26 – 3:42 PM |
| Hyderabad | 1:08 – 3:25 PM |
| Bengaluru | 1:13 – 3:32 PM |
| Chennai | 1:02 – 3:21 PM |
Source: drik siddhanta calculations used by leading panchangs. Rahu Kaal times are approximate; check [Rahu Kaal](/rahukaal/jaipur) for your city.
Why the Afternoon?
The scriptures prescribe Yama Dwitiya worship in the Aparahna — the fourth of the five parts of the day. Tradition holds that Yamaraj arrived at his sister Yamuna's home in the afternoon and ate the meal she cooked. So the tilak and the meal at the sister's home are ideally in the afternoon. Read the Yama-Yamuna story.
Why 11 November and Not 10 November?
Dwitiya begins at 2:00 PM on 10 November, so most of that day's Aparahna is still Pratipada. On 11 November, Dwitiya covers the whole Aparahna until 3:53 PM.
Times to Avoid
- •Rahu Kaal (Delhi ~12:04–1:25 PM, Jaipur ~12:12–1:33 PM).
- •After 3:53 PM, when Dwitiya ends.
If You Miss the Muhurat
- •Apply tilak any time before 3:53 PM, avoiding Rahu Kaal.
- •In some regions (parts of Bihar and UP), the morning tilak after the Godhan puja is the family custom — follow it.
- •If siblings are in different cities, follow the sister's city time; a video-call tilak is fine.
Why Not Choghadiya?
Choghadiya is mainly for travel and general tasks; festival rituals have their own prescribed periods — Pradosh for Diwali, Aparahna for Dussehra and Bhai Dooj. So follow the Aparahna and only avoid Rahu Kaal.
A Plan for the Day
Morning: the sister prepares food and the thali. By noon: the brother arrives. During Rahu Kaal: family time. After Rahu Kaal: tilak, aarti and meal. Evening: gifts and farewell.
Chitragupta Puja
Kayastha families perform Chitragupta (pen-and-inkpot) puja on 11 November, usually in the morning, before the afternoon tilak.
Summary
On 11 November 2026, apply tilak in the Aparahna — ideally 1:25–3:20 PM in Delhi and 1:33–3:27 PM in Jaipur after Rahu Kaal — and always before Dwitiya ends at 3:53 PM. For the full method, see the Bhai Dooj tilak vidhi.
