Wednesday, 11 November 2026
Bhai Dooj 2026
In short
Bhai Dooj 2026 is on Wednesday, 11 November 2026: Shukla Paksha Dwitiya of Kartik, the tithi current at mid-afternoon (aparahna) in New Delhi.
- Date
- Wednesday, 11 November 2026
- Tithi
- Kartik Shukla Paksha Dwitiya
- Tithi begins
- 10 Nov, 14:01
- Tithi ends
- 11 Nov, 15:55
- Place
- New Delhi
How it is observed
Bhai Dooj, two days after Diwali, celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. It is linked to the story of Yama visiting his sister Yamuna, and is also called Yama Dwitiya.
Sisters apply tilak to their brothers' foreheads, perform aarti and pray for their long life, and brothers give gifts in return. The day is called Bhau Beej in Maharashtra and Bhai Phonta in Bengal.
Related festivals
- DhanterasFriday, 6 November 2026
- Kaag TiharSaturday, 7 November 2026
- Narak ChaturdashiSunday, 8 November 2026
- Kukur TiharSunday, 8 November 2026
- DiwaliSunday, 8 November 2026
- Laxmi Puja (Tihar)Sunday, 8 November 2026
- Govardhan PujaTuesday, 10 November 2026
- Mha PujaTuesday, 10 November 2026
- Bhai TikaWednesday, 11 November 2026
- Chhath PujaSunday, 15 November 2026
Frequently asked questions
When is Bhai Dooj in 2026?
Bhai Dooj 2026 is on Wednesday, 11 November 2026.
How is the date of Bhai Dooj decided?
By the lunisolar calendar: it falls on Shukla Paksha Dwitiya of Kartik, the tithi current at mid-afternoon (aparahna) in New Delhi. The date is computed from the positions of the Sun and Moon, which is why it moves against the Gregorian calendar from year to year.
How is Bhai Dooj observed?
Sisters apply tilak to their brothers' foreheads, perform aarti and pray for their long life, and brothers give gifts in return. The day is called Bhau Beej in Maharashtra and Bhai Phonta in Bengal.