Bhai Dooj 2026: Date, Shubh Tilak Muhurat And Mantra To Chant While Applying Tilak

Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhau Beej, Bhatru Dwitiya, or Yama Dwitiya, is one of the most special festivals of Hindus. Every year, it falls on the second day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartik, as per the lunar calendar. This year, it will be celebrated on 11th November.

Bhai Dooj celebrates the beautiful bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, a brother visits his sister's home, where she applies tilak on his forehead and prays for his long, healthy life.

Bhai Dooj 2026: Date And Shubh Tilak Muhurat

According to Drik Panchang, Bhai Dooj falls on Wednesday, 11th November, on Kartik Shukla Dwitiya. Astrologically, it also coincides with Chitragupta Jayanti. The auspicious timings are:

Note: Check your local Panchang for exact timing, as it varies with sunrise and sunset timings.

Why Is Bhai Dooj Celebrated?

Bhai Dooj, also known as Yama Dwitiya, marks the end of the five-day Diwali festival. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Yama (the god of death) visited his sister, Yamuna, after a long time.

Yamuna welcomed him warmly with a royal feast and applied a protective tilak on his forehead. Pleased by her love, Yamraj offered her a boon. To which Yamuna asked two things: Yamraj should visit her every year on this day, and any brother who visits his sister, receives a tilak, and eats meals prepared by her on this day shall never face an untimely death.

Yamraj granted the wish, making this day famous as Yama Dwitiya or Bhai Dooj.

Bhai Dooj 2026: Which Mantra To Chant While Applying Tilak?

While applying tilak on the forehead, sisters should chant specific Vedic mantras:

1. Primary Mantra For Longevity And Protection

भ्रातस्तवाग्रजाताहं भुङ्क्ष्व भक्तमिदं शुभम्।

प्रीतये यमराजस्य यमुनायाश्च तुष्टये॥

Bhratas Tavarujatam Aham Bhunkshva Bhaktamidam Shubham

Preetaye Yamarajasya Yamunayascha Tushtaye

Meaning: O Brother! I am your sister. Please accept this auspicious food offered by me. May this act please Lord Yama and satisfy Goddess Yamuna, granting you a long, healthy life.

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2. Traditional Folk Mantra

गंगा पूजे यमुना को, यमी पूजे यमराज को।

सुभद्रा पूजे कृष्ण को, मैं पूजूं मेरे भाई को॥

Ganga Puje Yamuna Ko, Yami Puje Yamaraj Ko

Subhadra Puje Krishna Ko, Mai Puju Mere Bhai Ko

Meaning: As the Ganges honours Yamuna, as Yami honours Yama, and as Subhadra honours Krishna, I honour and bless my brother today.

Bhai Dooj, also known as Yama Dwitiya, marks the end of the five-day Diwali festival (Image: Pexels)

ALSO READ: Bhai Dooj 2026: Why Sisters Apply Tilak On Their Brothers' Foreheads And The Legend Behind The Tradition

Step-By-Step Bhai Dooj Tilak Vidhi

To perform the ceremony correctly according to tradition:

1. Both brother and sister should take an early bath and wear fresh clothes.

2. Make your Brother sit on a wooden stool facing North or East.

3. Then arrange a plate in which to keep roli, akshat, chandan, sweets, a lamp (diya), and a coconut (optional).

4. Apply roli and chandan tilak on the brother's forehead, followed by placing akshat on it while reciting the mantra.

5. Hand a whole dry coconut to your brother and feed him sweets.

6. Perform a brief Aarti using a lit ghee lamp to ward off negative energies.

7. Then exchange gifts. Brothers present gifts or cash as a token of protection and love, while sisters pray for their long life.

FAQS

1. What is the best time for Bhai Dooj 2026 tilak?

The most auspicious window for applying tilak on Bhai Dooj 2026 is during the Aparahna period, between 01:10 PM and 03:20 PM on November 11, 2026.

2. Can sisters apply tilak if the brother isn't physically present?

Yes. If your brother is away, you can apply tilak to a dry coconut or perform a symbolic ritual facing the direction where he lives, sending prayers for his longevity.