Bhai Dooj Significance & Spiritual Meaning
Bhai Dooj is the last day of the five-day Diwali festival. Sisters apply tilak on their brothers' foreheads and perform aarti; brothers give gifts. It strengthens the sibling bond.
Bhai Dooj Mythology & Legend
According to legend, Yama visited his sister Yamuna on this day. She applied tilak and fed him. Pleased, Yama declared that any brother who receives tilak and aarti from his sister on this day would be blessed with long life. The day is also called Yama Dwitiya.
Bhai Dooj Puja Rituals & Vidhi
- Sisters invite brothers to their home or visit them.
- Sister performs aarti for the brother and applies tilak (roli and rice) on his forehead.
- Brother offers gifts and promises to protect the sister.
- Share a meal and sweets; exchange good wishes.
- If the brother is away, the sister can perform the ritual with a photograph or symbolically.
Bhai Dooj Mantras in Sanskrit
ॐ यमाय नमः
oṃ yamāya namaḥ
Salutations to Yama
Bhai Dooj Traditional Foods & Prasad
- ●Sweets
- ●Savouries
- ●Traditional meal
Bhai Dooj Regional Celebrations across India
North India(भाई दूज)
Tilak, aarti, gifts
Bengal(ভাই ফোটা)
Bhai Phota
Nepal(भाई टीका)
Bhai Tika
Bhai Dooj Do's & Don't's
Do's
- ✓Perform aarti for brother
- ✓Apply tilak
- ✓Exchange gifts
- ✓Share a meal
Don'ts
- ✗Do not skip the ritual if possible
- ✗Avoid conflict
- ✗Do not forget siblings far away
Bhai Dooj — Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Bhai Dooj?
- Bhai Dooj is the last day of the five-day Diwali festival.
- When is Bhai Dooj 2026?
- In 2026, Bhai Dooj falls on Wednesday, 11 November 2026.
- What are the Bhai Dooj puja rituals?
- Sisters invite brothers to their home or visit them.; Sister performs aarti for the brother and applies tilak (roli and rice) on his forehead.; Brother offers gifts and promises to protect the sister.; Share a meal and sweets; exchange good wishes.
- What to eat on Bhai Dooj?
- Sweets, Savouries, Traditional meal
- What should you do on Bhai Dooj?
- Perform aarti for brother; Apply tilak; Exchange gifts
- What should you avoid on Bhai Dooj?
- Do not skip the ritual if possible; Avoid conflict; Do not forget siblings far away
- Which deity is worshipped on Bhai Dooj?
- Bhai Dooj is dedicated to Yama.
Upcoming Bhai Dooj Dates in 2026, 2027 & Beyond
Bhai Dooj is a sacred Hindu festival observed on the tithi shown. Dates are calculated from the Panchang for your region.
Times shown for New Delhi, India (IST)
| Date | Day | Moonrise Time | Special Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 Nov 2026 | Wednesday | 08:31 am | — |
| 31 Oct 2027 | Sunday | 08:14 am | — |