Bhaiya Dooj 2026
Shukla-paksha Dwitiya of Kartik (popularly cited name; own Amanta segment is Margashirsha).
🕐 Which day and time to celebrate
Good windows use the same rules as the calendar’s Good Windows box — Rahu Kaal, Gulika and Yamaganda are avoided; Brahma Muhurta and Abhijit are excellent; otherwise the Choghadiya decides.
Bhaiya Dooj Wednesday, 11 November 2026 · best 4:50 am – 5:38 am 2-day tithi
Shukla-paksha Dwitiya of Kartik (popularly cited name; own Amanta segment is Margashirsha).
Tithi: Dvitiya — 10 Nov, 2:00 pm → 11 Nov, 3:53 pm. The tithi spans two calendar days, so the day matters:
Classically observed in the Aparahna (afternoon) — each day below lists ALL good windows while the tithi is active, marks those inside this period (★), and shows this period separately. If none is good inside it, choose the best listed window and follow your family tradition.
| Date | Tithi active (IST) | Good windows | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, 10 November 2026 | 2:00 pm – 4:50 am (+1 day) | ✓ 7:01 pm – 10:18 pm (Good · Shubh, Amrit) ✓ 3:13 am (+1 day) – 4:50 am (+1 day) (Good · Labh) Aparahna (afternoon) 2:00 pm – 3:12 pm: entirely in avoid periods |
Rahu Kaal 2:40 pm–4:01 pm · Yamaganda 9:13 am–10:35 am · Gulika 11:56 am–1:18 pm |
| Wednesday, 11 November 2026 ★ Recommended Tithi at sunrise |
4:50 am – 3:53 pm | ⭐ 4:50 am – 5:38 am (Excellent · Brahma) ✓ 6:26 am – 7:48 am (Good · Labh) Aparahna (afternoon) 12:58 pm – 3:08 pm: no good slot; acceptable: 2:36 pm – 3:08 pm |
Rahu Kaal 11:53 am–1:14 pm · Yamaganda 7:48 am–9:09 am · Gulika 10:31 am–11:53 am |
About Bhaiya Dooj
Bhaiya Dooj celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. It is tied to the story of Yama visiting his sister Yamuna, who welcomed him with a tilak and a meal, and he blessed that brothers who receive a tilak from their sisters on this day will be protected.
Tithi rule: Shukla Paksha Dwitiya of Kartik, two days after Diwali (also called Yama Dwitiya). Classically observed when Dwitiya prevails in the afternoon (Aparahna).
🪔 How it is observed
Sisters apply a tilak on their brothers’ foreheads, perform aarti and pray for their long life; brothers give gifts in return. The tilak is applied in the afternoon (Aparahna) when Dwitiya is active.
Customs vary by region and family — follow your own tradition and your family priest’s guidance.
Upcoming dates
| Date | Tithi (IST) |
|---|---|
| Wednesday, 11 November 2026 | 10 Nov, 2:00 pm → 11 Nov, 3:53 pm |
| Sunday, 31 October 2027 | 30 Oct, 5:52 pm → 31 Oct, 5:13 pm |
Frequently Asked Questions
Bhaiya Dooj in 2026 falls on Wednesday, 11 November 2026 (tithi: 10 Nov, 2:00 pm to 11 Nov, 3:53 pm IST).
In 2026 the tithi touches 2 calendar days. The recommended day is Wednesday, 11 November 2026; the table above lists the good windows on each day, avoiding Rahu Kaal, Gulika and Yamaganda. Follow your family tradition if it differs.
Bhaiya Dooj celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. It is tied to the story of Yama visiting his sister Yamuna, who welcomed him with a tilak and a meal, and he blessed that brothers who receive a tilak from their sisters on this day will be protected.