Festival guide
Bhai Dooj
Bhai Dooj, the second day of the bright half of Kartika, closes the Diwali festival and celebrates brothers and sisters.
Bhai Dooj dates
| Year | Date | Tithi and its timings |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Tuesday 10 November | Kartika Shukla Dwitiya 10 Nov, 14:00 → 11 Nov, 15:54 |
| 2027 | Sunday 31 October | Kartika Shukla Dwitiya 30 Oct, 17:52 → 31 Oct, 17:13 |
Dates for New Delhi, India; times in Asia/Kolkata. Observed by the rule: tithi in the afternoon (aparahna).
Also known as: Bhau Beej, Bhai Phonta (Bengal), Yama Dwitiya.
Story and significance
Yama, lord of death, visited his sister Yamuna, who welcomed him with a tilak and a feast. Pleased, he declared that any brother who receives a tilak from his sister on this day will be protected.
How Bhai Dooj is celebrated
- Sisters apply tilak and perform aarti for their brothers
- A festive meal prepared by the sister
- Brothers give gifts in return
- Bathing in the Yamuna at Mathura is considered meritorious
Customs vary between regions, communities and families. Please follow the guidance of your family priest or local temple for rituals and timings.
Frequently asked questions
When is Bhai Dooj 2026?
Bhai Dooj 2026 falls on Tuesday, 10 November 2026, for New Delhi. Choose your city above to see the date for your location.
When is Bhai Dooj 2027?
Bhai Dooj 2027 falls on Sunday, 31 October 2027, for New Delhi. Choose your city above to see the date for your location.
Why does the date of Bhai Dooj change every year?
Bhai Dooj is fixed by the lunar calendar — the Shukla Paksha tithi 2 of Kartika (amanta calendar) — not the Gregorian calendar. Lunar months drift against solar dates, so the festival moves by up to a few weeks from year to year.
Can Bhai Dooj fall on different dates in India and abroad?
Yes. The rule depends on the tithi at a particular time of day at your location, so a tithi that begins just before sunrise in India may begin after sunrise in North America, moving the observance by a day.