Bhai Dooj 2027

Bhai Dooj falls on Wednesday, 11 November in 2026 and on Sunday, 31 October in 2027. It closes the five days of Diwali on the second day of the bright half of Kartik, and celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters apply a tilak on their brothers’ foreheads, perform aarti and pray for their long life, and brothers bless them with gifts. The festival is also called Bhau Beej in Maharashtra, Bhai Phonta in Bengal, Bhai Tika in Nepal and Yama Dwitiya, after the story at its heart.

Bhai Dooj 2027 date

Bhai Dooj 2027 is on Sunday, 31 October 2027 (Kartik Shukla Dwitiya). In 2026 it falls on Wednesday, 11 November 2026 by the Delhi panchang; some western Indian calendars place it on 10 November. The tilak is applied during the afternoon muhurat; check a local panchang.

The story of Yama and Yamuna

Popular Puranic tradition tells that Yamuna, the river goddess, had long invited her brother Yama, the god of death, to visit her home, but his duties kept him away. At last, on Kartik Shukla Dwitiya, he came. Overjoyed, Yamuna welcomed him with a tilak, an aarti and a feast. Pleased, Yama asked her to name a boon, and she asked that every brother who visits his sister on this day and receives a tilak from her should be free from the fear of untimely death. Yama granted it, and the day became Yama Dwitiya.

Another tradition says that after slaying Narakasura, Krishna visited his sister Subhadra, who welcomed him with a tilak and sweets. Read the full story in Bhai Dooj: the story of Yama and Yamuna.

How Bhai Dooj is celebrated

• Tilak and aarti: the sister applies a tilak of roli and rice on her brother’s forehead and performs aarti with a lamp.
• Fast and feast: many sisters fast until the tilak and then share a festive meal with their brother.
• Gifts: brothers give gifts and promise to protect their sisters.
• Yamuna snan: brothers and sisters bathe together in the Yamuna at Mathura, an old tradition linked to the story.
• Chitragupta Puja: the same day, Kayastha families worship Chitragupta, Yama’s record-keeper.

The meaning of Bhai Dooj

Bhai Dooj ends the festival of lights with family love: a visit, a blessing and a shared meal. Like Raksha Bandhan, it honours the lifelong bond of siblings. Before it comes Govardhan Puja. See every festival on the Hindu festival calendar.

Frequently asked questions