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.
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Diwali Panch-Parv Guide eBook – Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj, Lakshmi Puja Vidhi & Muhurat 2026
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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 should check a Panchang selected for their own city; the local date can differ from the Delhi reference.
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)
- The sister prepares a thali with roli, akshat, a diya, mauli, sweets, a coconut or gola and batashe.
- The brother sits facing north or east, and the sister applies roli-akshat tilak and ties mauli.
- She does aarti, feeds him a sweet and prays for his long life, remembering how Yamuna welcomed Yama.
- 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?
For the New Delhi reference, 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, The observance can differ by US city and tradition; check a Panchang selected for the actual location.
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.
For the wider celebration, keep the Delhi Lakshmi Puja reference and Govardhan and Annakut date guide nearby. Each observance follows its own tithi and family practice.
The eight-page Hindi + English Diwali Panch-Parv Guide includes the Yama–Yamuna story in brief and a day-wise checklist covering Bhai Dooj, alongside the other seasonal observances. Keep it on your phone as a compact family reading companion.
Explore the Panch-Parv Guide →

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