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Ishvaram
Hindu Calendar/Bhai Dooj

Bhai Dooj (भाई दूज) is a festival falling in the Hindu lunar month of कार्तिक. Its position is fixed by tithi rather than by the Gregorian calendar, so the date moves every year and is computed from the panchang. No fast is prescribed for the day. The observance itself, and its puja vidhi, stay the same each year.

Festival

Bhai Dooj

भाई दूज

Hindu month: कार्तिक

2026
Wednesday, 11 November 2026
2027
Sunday, 31 October 2027

Panchang Basis (Tithi Rule)

Tithi
Dwitiya
Paksha
Shukla
Hindu month
Kartika (कार्तिक)

Each year this observance falls on the Dwitiya tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartika. Because lunar tithis drift against the Gregorian calendar, the English date shifts every year — the tithi rule above is what stays fixed.

About This Festival

Sisters pray for their brother's well-being — similar to Raksha Bandhan

बहनें भाई की लंबी उम्र और खुशहाली की कामना करती हैं

Significance

Celebrates the bond between brother and sister. Legend says Yama (god of death) visited his sister Yamuna on this day, who applied tilak and prayed for his well-being. Also called Yama Dwitiya.

Puja Vidhi (How to Observe)

Sister applies tilak on brother's forehead. Perform aarti. Feed brother his favourite meal. Brother gives gifts. Visit sister's house if married.

Regional Names

Bhai Phonta (Bengal)Yama Dwitiya

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Bhai Dooj celebrated?

Bhai Dooj is celebrated on Wednesday, 11 November 2026 and on Sunday, 31 October 2027. The date changes each year because it follows the Hindu lunar calendar (Panchang) — every date here is computed from real planetary positions using the Swiss Ephemeris engine, not copied from a fixed list.

Is Bhai Dooj a fasting (vrat) day?

Bhai Dooj is not primarily a fasting day, though many families still keep a light fast or a sattvic diet as part of the observance.

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