Bhai Dooj falls on Wednesday, 11 November 2026. In New Delhi, the afternoon tilak window is 1:10–3:20 PM IST. The occasion celebrates affection, hospitality and the bond between siblings.
Bhai Dooj date and tilak muhurat
- Festival: Wednesday, 11 November.
- Afternoon tilak: 1:10–3:20 PM.
- Dwitiya begins: 2:00 PM on 10 November.
- Dwitiya ends: 3:53 PM on 11 November.
The observance date is not simply the date on which Dwitiya first begins. Read the festival date and the recommended afternoon window together.
The Yama and Yamuna katha
In the traditional story, Yamuna repeatedly invites her brother Yama to visit. When he finally arrives on Kartik Shukla Dwitiya, she welcomes him with affection and a meal. Pleased by her hospitality, he offers a boon. She asks that their meeting be remembered and that siblings who gather with love receive blessings. The story explains the festival through welcome and kinship, rather than through the value of gifts.
A simple way to celebrate
- Prepare a thali with roli, rice, a diya and a sweet or fruit according to your tradition.
- Gather during the afternoon window where practical. Offer a prayer for each other’s well-being.
- Apply tilak and perform aarti where customary.
- Share a meal and exchange greetings or a thoughtful gift if you wish.
- Include siblings who live far away through a call or a message and plan a visit when possible.
Tradition without unnecessary pressure
Regional names and household practices vary. Some families connect the day with Yama Dwitiya and others tell additional stories. A meaningful celebration does not depend on an expensive gift or an elaborate meal. Treat blessings as devotional wishes rather than a guarantee about lifespan.
Common questions
Is Bhai Dooj the same date as Govardhan Puja?
No. In New Delhi in 2026, Govardhan Puja is on 10 November and Bhai Dooj is on 11 November.
Can the Delhi tilak window be used abroad?
Select the local city in the source calendar. The correct observance cannot be established by a time-zone conversion alone.
Related festival guides
Editorial sources
Dates and timings checked on 19 October 2026 for New Delhi, India, IST. For another city, select that location in the timing source; a time-zone conversion alone is insufficient. Kathas are concise traditional retellings, with regional variations.