Bhai Dooj 2026 Date – 11 November
Bhai Dooj 2026 is on 11 November (Wednesday). Bhai Dooj is the last day of Diwali, when sisters pray for their brothers' long life. Also known as Bhaiya Dooj, Bhau Beej, Bhai Phonta, Bhai Tika, Yama Dwitiya. Dates are calculated for New Delhi.
Diwali – Lakshmi Puja
The main day of Diwali.
Govardhan Puja
The day before Bhai Dooj in most years.
Bhai Dooj
Sisters apply a tilak on their brothers' foreheads, perform aarti and pray for their long life; brothers give gifts.
The story behind Bhai Dooj
Bhai Dooj falls on Dwitiya, the second lunar day of the bright fortnight of Kartika, and closes the five days of Diwali. Legend says Yama, the god of death, visited his sister Yamuna on this day; she welcomed him with a tilak and a meal, and he blessed every brother who receives a tilak from his sister on this day with a long life — hence the name Yama Dwitiya.
Bhai Dooj across India
- North India — Bhai Dooj or Bhaiya Dooj, with tilak, aarti and sweets.
- Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka — Bhau Beej.
- West Bengal — Bhai Phonta, with a sandalwood and kajal phonta (mark) on the forehead.
- Nepal and Darjeeling — Bhai Tika, the last day of Tihar, with a seven-coloured tika.
Planning ahead? Bhai Dooj 2027 falls on 31 October (Sunday).
Frequently asked questions
When is Bhai Dooj in 2026?
Bhai Dooj 2026 is on 11 November (Wednesday), as calculated for New Delhi. In some regions the date can differ by a day, depending on when the tithi begins and ends locally.
When is Diwali 2026?
Diwali 2026 is on 8 November (Sunday).
When is Govardhan Puja 2026?
Govardhan Puja 2026 is on 10 November (Tuesday).
What is the difference between Raksha Bandhan and Bhai Dooj?
On Raksha Bandhan (in Shravan, usually August) a sister ties a rakhi on her brother's wrist. On Bhai Dooj (just after Diwali) she applies a tilak and prays for his long life. Both celebrate the brother–sister bond.
Is Bhai Dooj a holiday?
It is not a central-government holiday, but several states, including Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, give a state or restricted holiday.
When is Bhai Dooj 2027?
Bhai Dooj 2027 is on 31 October (Sunday).