Festivals / Bhai Dooj

Bhai Dooj

Kartika Shukla Dwitiya · Yama, Yamuna

This year
Wednesday, 11 November 2026
Also known as Bhau Beej, Yama Dwitiya

Significance

The closing day of Diwali, honouring the bond of brother and sister — a sister feeds and blesses her brother, who promises his protection.

The story behind Bhai Dooj

It is said that Yama, lord of death, visited his sister Yamuna on this day; she welcomed him with a meal and a tilak, and he blessed her and decreed that any brother so honoured by a sister would be granted long life. Bhai Dooj keeps that meeting — a sister's table, a brother's promise.

How Bhai Dooj is observed

  • The sister applies a tilak and performs aarti for her brother.
  • A festive meal prepared by the sister.
  • Exchange of gifts and blessings.
  • Prayers for the brother's long life and wellbeing.

Puja Vidhi & Prayers

Watch the step-by-step puja vidhi, aarti, and prayers for Bhai Dooj.

▶ Watch Bhai Dooj Puja Vidhi & Prayers on YouTube
How the date is fixed: Second day of the bright fortnight of Kartika.

Bhai Dooj dates (2015–2035)

YearDateDay
201513 November 2015Friday
20161 November 2016Tuesday
201721 October 2017Saturday
20189 November 2018Friday
201929 October 2019Tuesday
202016 November 2020Monday
20216 November 2021Saturday
202227 October 2022Thursday
202315 November 2023Wednesday
20243 November 2024Sunday
202523 October 2025Thursday
202611 November 2026Wednesday
202731 October 2027Sunday
202818 November 2028Saturday
20297 November 2029Wednesday
203028 October 2030Monday
203116 November 2031Sunday
20324 November 2032Thursday
203325 October 2033Tuesday
203412 November 2034Sunday
20351 November 2035Thursday

Dates are computed from precise sidereal (Lahiri) astronomy for a New Delhi reference and may vary by ±1 day for some evening/midnight festivals depending on your location and regional tradition — the timings above adjust to where you are.