Diwali 2026 · Day 5
Bhai Dooj 2026: date, tilak muhurat and vidhi
Bhai Dooj falls on Wednesday, 11 November 2026. Here is the tilak time, the story of Yama and Yamuna, and the simple tilak vidhi.
Bhai Dooj 2026 date and tilak time
Aparahna time is worked out from New Delhi sunrise and sunset (IST).
The story of Yama and Yamuna
Yama, the god of death, visited his sister Yamuna on Kartik Shukla Dwitiya after a long time. She welcomed him with tilak, aarti and a meal. Pleased, Yama blessed that any brother who receives tilak from his sister on this day will be protected from untimely death. That is why the day is also called Yama Dwitiya.
How to do Bhai Dooj tilak
- The sister prepares a thali with roli, rice, a diya, sweets, a coconut or dry coconut (gola) and flowers.
- The brother sits facing north or east, preferably on a low seat, with a handkerchief or cloth on his head.
- The sister applies tilak, puts rice on it, does aarti, ties kalawa in some families and feeds him a sweet.
- The brother gives a gift and promises to support her. Many families eat lunch together at the sister's home.
Frequently asked questions
When is Bhai Dooj in 2026?
Bhai Dooj is on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, on Kartik Shukla Dwitiya. Dwitiya tithi begins at 2:00 PM on 10 November.
What is the Bhai Dooj tilak time in 2026?
The Aparahna period, preferred for tilak, is about 1:09 PM to 3:19 PM on 11 November in New Delhi. Many families also do the tilak in the morning.
What is Bhai Dooj called in other states?
Bhau Beej in Maharashtra, Bhai Phonta in Bengal, Bhai Tika in Nepal and Yama Dwitiya in many panchangs.
More from Diwali 2026
Last updated: 2 October 2026