Bhai Dooj 2026: 10 or 11 November? Tilak Muhurat & Vidhi

Bhai Dooj 2026: Wednesday, 11 November. Tilak muhurat (New Delhi): 1:10 PM – 3:20 PM IST.

For your puja preparation

Aarti Thali | Pooja Thali Set - Ideal for Diwali, Navratri & Religious Rituals

Use this reusable Aarti Thali for the lamp, kumkum, akshat and offerings described in the puja steps, including the midday and evening aarti. Physical product; current delivery details are shown on the product page.

Rs. 299.00

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For your puja preparation

Related festival essentials

Choose only what is useful for your family’s preparation; these products are not compulsory.

Sanatana Journey

Roli (Kumkum) for Puja – Sacred Red Tilak Powder (30g)

Selected because it directly supports the preparation described in this article. Check the product page for exact contents, format and delivery.

Rs. 45.00

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Sanatana Journey

Akshat for Puja (Rice/Chawal) - 50g Pack

Selected because it directly supports the preparation described in this article. Check the product page for exact contents, format and delivery.

Rs. 49.00

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Bhai Dooj 2026 timings (New Delhi, IST)

Bhai Dooj / Yama Dwitiya / Bhau Beej	Wednesday, 11 November 2026
Dwitiya begins	2:00 PM, 10 Nov
Dwitiya ends	3:53 PM, 11 Nov
Aparahna (tilak) muhurat	1:10 PM – 3:20 PM, 11 Nov
Also on this day	Chitragupta Puja

Source: Drik Panchang (bd), Drik Panchang (cal)

Why the confusion: 10 or 11 November?

Dwitiya begins at 2:00 PM on Tuesday 10 November, the same afternoon as Govardhan Puja, and ends at 3:53 PM on Wednesday 11 November. So both dates "have" Dwitiya.

The Bhai Dooj tilak belongs to aparahna kaal (early-to-mid afternoon). On 10 November most of that window passes before Dwitiya begins. On 11 November Dwitiya covers the whole aparahna (1:10–3:20 PM). That is why Drik Panchang lists 11 November.

A common mistake is to do the tilak in the morning. Bengal’s Bhai Phota and Nepal’s Bhai Tika follow their own timings. Readers in the USA will find that local Panchangs put Bhai Dooj on 10 November, because of the time difference.

Recommended date and muhurat

Wednesday 11 November, 1:10–3:20 PM (Delhi). Finish the tilak before Dwitiya ends at 3:53 PM. Kayastha families do Chitragupta Puja (kalam-dawat) the same day.

Bhai Dooj vidhi (short)

1. The sister prepares a thali with roli, akshat, a diya, mauli, sweets, a coconut or gola and batashe.
2. The brother sits facing north or east, and the sister applies roli-akshat tilak and ties mauli.
3. She does aarti, feeds him a sweet and prays for his long life, remembering how Yamuna welcomed Yama.
4. The brother gives a gift and his blessings, and they eat together. Bathing in the Yamuna is traditional in Mathura.

Bhai Dooj tilak thali essentials

Assemble the tilak thali from Divine Store:

• Aarti Pooja Thali Set
• Roli (Kumkum)
• Akshat
• Mauli (Kalawa)
• Batashe
• Brass Diya
• Chandan Powder
• Diwali Panch-Parv Guide eBook (Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj)

Planning the full five days? See our Diwali Lakshmi Puja Essentials page for complete bundles, and the Devotional Guides blog for each day of Panch-Parv.

Bhai Dooj 2026 FAQs

Is Bhai Dooj 2026 on 10 or 11 November?

In India, 11 November. Dwitiya starts at 2:00 PM on 10 November, but only on 11 November does it cover the whole aparahna (afternoon) tilak window.

What is the Bhai Dooj tilak time in 2026?

1:10 PM to 3:20 PM IST on 11 November for New Delhi.

When does Dwitiya tithi end?

3:53 PM IST on 11 November 2026.

Is Bhai Dooj on a different date in the USA?

Yes. Because of the time difference, US Panchangs typically show 10 November 2026.

All times are IST for New Delhi (Drik Panchang). Sunrise, sunset and lagna differ by city, so check your local Panchang; follow your family or temple tradition where it differs.