Bhai Dooj, also known as Yama Dwitiya, marks the final day of the five-day Diwali celebrations. The festival celebrates the special bond between brothers and sisters, with sisters applying tilak on their brothers’ foreheads and praying for their long life, happiness and prosperity.
This year, there is some confusion regarding the festival date, with November 10 and 11 both being mentioned. There are also different opinions about the auspicious time for performing the tilak ceremony, with some astrologers recommending afternoon hours. However, according to the Hindu Panchang, an auspicious morning muhurat is also available for the celebrations.
Bhai Dooj 2026: Date and Tithi
According to the Hindu Panchang, the Dwitiya Tithi will begin at 2 pm on November 10, 2026, and end at 3:53 pm on November 11, 2026.
As the festival is observed according to the Udaya Tithi, or the lunar date prevailing at sunrise, Bhai Dooj will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.
Bhai Dooj 2026: Shubh Muhurat for Tilak
According to several astrologers, the auspicious time for performing the Bhai Dooj tilak ceremony will be between 1:10 pm and 3:20 pm.
However, Panchang-based calculations also indicate a favourable morning period. The Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga will prevail from 6:40 am to 11:38 am on November 11. This period is considered auspicious for applying tilak and praying for a brother’s well-being, happiness and prosperity.
Bhai Dooj 2026: Important Dates and Timings
- Dwitiya Tithi Begins: November 10, 2 pm
- Dwitiya Tithi Ends: November 11, 3:53 pm
- Bhai Dooj Date: Wednesday, November 11, 2026
- Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga: 6:40 am to 11:38 am
- Afternoon Tilak Muhurat: 1:10 pm to 3:20 pm
Bhai Dooj Puja Samagri
Sisters prepare a special puja thali for the tilak and aarti rituals on Bhai Dooj. The essential items include:
- Roli or kumkum
- Sindoor and sandalwood paste
- Akshat (whole rice grains)
- Flowers and flower garland
- Betel nuts and betel leaves
- Coconut
- Kalava (sacred thread)
- Durva grass
- Sweets and fruits
- Diya
- Silver coin and batashe, according to family traditions
Bhai Dooj Puja Vidhi
On the day of Bhai Dooj, sisters should wake up early, take a bath and wear clean clothes. They should first offer prayers at the home temple and prepare the puja thali with all the necessary items.
Before the tilak ceremony, a traditional square is prepared using rice or rice flour, and the brother is asked to sit at the designated spot. As part of the ritual, both the brother and sister cover their heads with a dupatta, scarf or another piece of cloth.
At the auspicious time, the sister applies roli or kumkum tilak on her brother’s forehead and places akshat over it. She then gives him a whole dried coconut, offers flowers and betel nuts, and feeds him sweets or batashe.
The ritual concludes with the sister performing her brother’s aarti and praying for his long life, good health and prosperity.
In return, the brother gives his sister a gift and promises to support and protect her through every phase of life. Bhai Dooj is a celebration of the enduring bond between siblings, symbolising love, affection, care and mutual support.