Hindu festival
Bhai Dooj
Also known as Bhai Duj, Bhau Beej, Yama Dwitiya.
Why is Bhai Dooj celebrated?
In short
Bhai Dooj is celebrated to honour the loving bond between brothers and sisters. The tradition tells of Yama, the lord of death, finally visiting his sister Yamuna, who welcomed him with a tilak and a feast. Moved by her devotion, he blessed every brother so honoured by a sister with a long, protected life.
Reviewed by the Godify team · Last updated
Bhai Dooj at a glance
- Bhai Dooj 2026
- Tuesday, 10 November 2026in 61 days
- Tithi / rule
- Dwitiya (2nd tithi) of the Shukla Paksha in Kartik, the second day after Diwali
- Calendar
- Lunar calendar (tithi-based)
- Deity
- Surya
- Significance
- Celebrates the sacred brother-sister bond and prays for brothers' long life.
- Region
- Across North India, Maharashtra, Bengal and Nepal; known in the South as Yama Dwitiya.
Honours the bond of brother and sister, recalling Yama and his sister Yamuna — the children of Surya, the Sun.
The story of Bhai Dooj
Yama and Yamuna were twins, born to Surya, the sun, and his wife Sanjna. From childhood the two were devoted to each other, but their paths carried them far apart. Yama became the lord of death, keeper of cosmic law, forever bound to his solemn duty over the souls of the departed. Yamuna descended to the earth as the gentle, life-giving river that still bears her name. Between the world of the dead and the flowing world of the living, brother and sister were parted.
Yamuna missed her brother deeply. Again and again she sent word inviting him to her home, longing to see his face and to feed him with her own hands. But Yama's work never ceased, and year after year he was unable to come. His sister's invitations gathered like unanswered prayers, and the ache of that distance grew in both their hearts.
How is Bhai Dooj celebrated?
On Bhai Dooj, sisters invite their brothers home and welcome them with an aarti, applying a tilak of vermilion or sandal to their foreheads while praying for their long life and prosperity. Brothers sit for a special meal lovingly prepared for them, offer gifts or money in return, and pledge to protect and support their sisters. In some communities, especially among Kayasthas, Chitragupta, the keeper of deeds, is also worshipped on this day.
Characters in the story
A mantra to mark the day
ॐ सूर्याय नमः
oṃ sūryāya namaḥ
I bow to Surya, the radiant Sun, source of life and vitality.
More Hindu festivals
About Bhai Dooj
Why is Bhai Dooj celebrated?
Bhai Dooj is celebrated to honour the bond between brothers and sisters. It recalls the day Yama, the lord of death, visited his sister Yamuna, who welcomed him with a tilak and a feast. Touched by her love, he blessed every brother honoured by a sister that day with a long life.
What is the story of Bhai Dooj?
The story tells of Yama, lord of death, and his sister Yamuna, parted by their duties. After long separation, Yama finally visited her on this day. Yamuna welcomed him with an aarti, a tilak and a feast. Moved, he granted that any brother receiving a sister's tilak this day would be freed from untimely death.
How is Bhai Dooj celebrated?
Sisters invite their brothers home and welcome them with an aarti, applying a tilak of vermilion or sandal to their forehead while praying for their long life. Brothers enjoy a special meal, offer gifts or money in return, and renew their pledge to protect their sisters. Families gather warmly for the occasion.
Who is worshipped on Bhai Dooj?
Bhai Dooj is less a deity festival than a celebration of the brother-sister bond, honouring the memory of Yama and his sister Yamuna. In many households the tilak ritual itself is the sacred act. Among some communities, especially Kayasthas, Chitragupta, the divine keeper of human deeds, is also worshipped on this day.
When is Bhai Dooj 2026?
In 2026, Bhai Dooj falls on 11 November. By the traditional rule it is observed on Dwitiya, the second day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the month of Kartik, which is the second day after Diwali. The exact date shifts each year with the Hindu lunar calendar.
Why is Bhai Dooj also called Yama Dwitiya?
It is called Yama Dwitiya because it falls on the Dwitiya, the second lunar day, sacred to Yama, the lord of death. On this tithi Yama is said to have visited his sister Yamuna and blessed the brother-sister bond, so the day carries his name in scripture and older tradition.
What is the difference between Bhai Dooj and Raksha Bandhan?
Both festivals celebrate the brother-sister bond but differ in ritual and timing. On Raksha Bandhan, in the month of Shravan, a sister ties a protective thread on her brother's wrist. On Bhai Dooj, just after Diwali, she applies a tilak to his forehead and prays for his long life, and he pledges his protection.
What are the other names of Bhai Dooj?
Bhai Dooj is known by many regional names. In Maharashtra and the west it is Bhau Beej, in Bengal Bhai Phonta, and in Nepal Bhai Tika. In scripture and the South it is called Yama Dwitiya, and it is also known as Bhatru Dwitiya. All celebrate the same sibling bond.
Mark Bhai Dooj with Bhagavan
Ask about the festival's meaning, its deity, or a verse or mantra to observe the day — free, private, any hour.
Talk to Bhagavan