The festival of Bhai Dooj, which follows Diwali, is a symbol of the love and unwavering trust between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters apply a *tilak* on their brothers' foreheads and pray for their happiness, prosperity, good health, and longevity. In return, brothers offer gifts to their sisters and pledge to protect them and stand by them in every circumstance. There is some confusion regarding the date for Bhai Dooj in 2026. Let us find out when the festival will be celebrated, the auspicious time for the *tilak* ceremony, and how the rituals should be performed.

When is Bhai Dooj 2026?

To determine the date of Bhai Dooj, it is necessary to know the start and end times of the *Dwitiya Tithi* (the second lunar day). According to the *Drik Panchang*, the *Dwitiya Tithi* will begin at 2:00 PM on November 10 and conclude at 3:53 PM on November 11. Consequently, the festival of Bhai Dooj will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 11. This festival is also known as *Bhaiya Dooj* and *Yam Dwitiya*.

Details of *Dwitiya Tithi*:

*Tithi* begins: November 10, 2026, at 2:00 PM
*Tithi* ends: November 11, 2026, at 3:53 PM
Bhai Dooj: Wednesday, November 11, 2026

On this occasion, sisters apply a *tilak* on their brothers' foreheads, offer them sweets, and pray for their bright future. In many households, brothers and sisters share a meal together and exchange gifts, making the day a memorable one.

Auspicious Time (*Muhurat*) for the *Tilak* Ceremony on Bhai Dooj 2026

The *tilak* ceremony on Bhai Dooj holds special religious significance. According to the *Drik Panchang*, the auspicious time for applying the *tilak* in New Delhi on November 11 is between 1:10 PM and 3:20 PM. Its total duration is 2 hours and 10 minutes. In other cities, the timing may vary according to the local almanac (panchang).

How to perform the 'tilak' ritual on Bhai Dooj?

On this day, take a bath in the morning and wear clean clothes. Arrange 'roli' (vermilion), rice grains, a lamp, flowers, and sweets on a worship plate (puja thali). During the auspicious time, have your brother sit on a mat or seat, and offer a prayer to the Divine. Then, apply a 'tilak' of 'roli' and rice grains on his forehead, perform 'aarti', and offer him sweets. Finally, pray for your brother’s well-being, longevity, and success.

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