What is Bhai Dooj?
Bhai Dooj (also called Bhai Tika, Bhai Phota, or Bhaiya Dooj) is celebrated on the fifth and final day of the Diwali festival — November 10, 2026. It is a celebration of the bond between brothers and sisters, similar in spirit to Raksha Bandhan.
On this day, sisters apply a protective tilak (tika) on their brother's forehead, offer prayers for his long life, and feed him a special meal. In return, brothers give gifts and promise to protect and care for their sisters.
The name comes from "Bhai" (brother) and "Dooj" (the second day of the Hindu lunar month of Kartik — the day falls on Shukla Paksha Dwitiya).
The Legend of Bhai Dooj
According to the Puranas, Lord Yama (god of death) visited his sister Yamuna (Yami) on this day. She welcomed him with a tilak, a feast, and flowers. Moved by her love, Yama declared that any brother who receives a tilak from his sister on this day and offers her a gift will be blessed with a long life and protection from untimely death. Hence, this day is also called "Yama Dwitiya."
Bhai Dooj Tilak Muhurat 2026
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
The most auspicious window for the tilak ceremony. Duration: 2 hours 12 minutes.
Times are in IST (UTC+5:30). Use the timezone converter to convert to your local time (UK, USA, NZ, etc.).
Regional Names for Bhai Dooj
- North India: Bhai Dooj / Bhaiya Dooj
- West Bengal, Odisha: Bhai Phota / Bhai Phonta
- Nepal: Bhai Tika (major national festival)
- Maharashtra, Goa: Bhau Beej
- Gujarat: Bhai Beej
Bhai Dooj Tilak Ceremony — Step by Step
What You Need (Tilak Samagri)
- Kumkum (vermilion) for the tilak
- Chandan (sandalwood paste)
- Kesar (saffron) — optional, mixed with chandan
- Akshata (unbroken rice grains mixed with turmeric)
- Flowers (marigold or rose petals)
- Diyas (2–3 lit clay lamps)
- Aarti thali (a plate with diya, flowers, kumkum, rice)
- Sweets (kheer, ladoo, mithai)
- Coconut (optional)
- Brother's favourite food items for the meal
The Tilak Ritual — Steps
- Prepare the puja space: Lay a wooden seat (chowki or low stool) for the brother to sit on facing east. Place the aarti thali beside the sister.
- Brother sits, sister stands: The brother sits, and the sister stands before him with folded hands. She prays to Yama and Yamuna for her brother's long life and prosperity.
- Apply tilak: The sister dips her right ring finger in the kumkum-chandan paste and applies it to the brother's forehead — first a sandalwood base, then the kumkum dot. In Bengali tradition, the tilak consists of five lines drawn by five fingers.
- Apply akshata: Sprinkle a few grains of akshata (turmeric-rice) on the brother's head.
- Offer flowers: Place marigold or rose petals on the brother's head.
- Perform aarti: Circle the lit diya in front of the brother's face seven times clockwise, then offer it to him to bless. Do the same with camphor (kapoor).
- Offer sweets: Feed the brother at least one sweet with your own hand — traditionally kheer or ladoo.
- Brother gives gift: The brother presents the sister with a gift — traditionally silver, money, or something meaningful. He takes the sister's blessings.
- Share a meal together: The family shares a festive meal, traditionally cooked by the sister for her brother.
Bhai Dooj Gift Ideas 2026
For Brothers
- Silver coin or coins
- Wallet or accessories
- Dry fruit box
- Sweets hamper
- Books or electronics
For Sisters
- Gold or silver jewellery
- Saree or dress material
- Sweets and mithai
- Cash (enveloped)
- Puja thali set