World · India Bureau
Sisters Note Bhai Dooj Date, Auspicious Tilak Timing for 2026
Bhai Dooj, also known as Yam Dwitiya, is an important festival celebrating the bond between siblings. The festival falls on a specific date in 2026 with designated auspicious hours for applying tilak.
LSN India ·

Bhai Dooj, celebrated across India as a festival honouring the relationship between brothers and sisters, will be observed on a particular date in 2026. The festival, also known by its Sanskrit name Yam Dwitiya, holds significant religious and cultural importance in Hindu traditions.
The occasion centres on the symbolic ritual of sisters applying tilak on their brothers' foreheads as a mark of protection and blessing. This custom reflects the deep bonds of affection and trust that define sibling relationships in Indian families. The tilak application is traditionally performed during specific auspicious hours determined by the lunar calendar.
Bhai Dooj typically occurs two days after Diwali, following the new moon phase of the Hindu calendar month of Kartik. The festival's religious significance traces back to ancient Hindu mythology, with various regional traditions and customs associated with its observance.
Families prepare special sweets and meals for the celebration, with sisters performing prayers for their brothers' wellbeing and longevity. The festival emphasizes mutual affection, trust, and the protective relationship between siblings that remains central to Indian family values.