Festival guide

Bhai Dooj

भाई दूज

Sisters pray for their brothers' well-being. Similar to Raksha Bandhan.

At a glance

How is Bhai Dooj dated?

Bhai Dooj is an annual Hindu observance whose Gregorian date can change each year. Samvat calculates each year's date from its tithi Panchang rule; choose a year for the exact date and tithi.

Also known as: Bhaiya Dooj, Bhau Beej, Bhai Phota, Bhai Beej, Bhai Tika.

Yearly reference

Bhai Dooj dates by year

Choose a year for the exact Gregorian date, Hindu date, observance rule, and related calendar links.

Why this date?

Falls on Kartik Shukla Dwitiya (2nd day of the bright fortnight in Kartik), with the date checked during aparahna in the afternoon. It celebrates the sibling bond when Yama visited his sister Yamuna, typically in October-November.

Learn how Hindu calendar dates are calculated

Bhai Dooj tithi and Panchang details

Date determined by

Lunar tithi

Category

Major festival

Nakshatra

Anuradha

Dietary practice

No specific restriction

Significance

Celebrates the bond between siblings.

Traditions and Regions

Traditions

Sisters apply tilakExchange giftsSpecial meal

Observed in

Pan-India

Common questions

How is Bhai Dooj dated?

Bhai Dooj is an annual Hindu observance whose Gregorian date can change each year. Samvat calculates each year's date from its tithi Panchang rule; choose a year for the exact date and tithi.

What is the tithi for Bhai Dooj?

The Hindu date is calculated separately each year from the tithi, paksha, and Hindu month for Bhai Dooj. Choose a year above to see the details.

Can the date differ by city?

Yes. Panchang values depend on sunrise, sunset, moonrise, and timezone. Samvat's public festival page uses an India-baseline calculation; local observance can differ by city, sampradaya, or family tradition.