Festival muhurat
Bhai Dooj Tilak Time
The date of Bhai Dooj (Yama Dwitiya), the tilak time, Dwitiya times and timings for major cities.
Next Bhai Dooj
Bhai Dooj · in New Delhi
Wednesday, 11 November 2026
Tilak time (aparahna)
1:10 pm – 3:20 pm
2 hr 10 min
- Dwitiya begins
- 2:01 pm, 10 Nov
- Dwitiya ends
- 3:54 pm
Bhai Dooj (Bhaiya Dooj, Bhau Beej, Yama Dwitiya) is Shukla Dwitiya of Kartika, usually two days after Diwali. Sisters apply a tilak to their brothers, perform aarti and feed them, praying for their long life, and brothers give gifts in return.
The story is that on this day Yamuna fed her brother Yama at her home, and Yama blessed every brother who eats at his sister's home on this Dwitiya with long life. The Kayastha community also does Chitragupta Puja on this day.
The texts give aparahna, the fourth fifth of the day (early afternoon), as the time for Yama Dwitiya worship. Bhai Dooj falls on the day Dwitiya covers more of aparahna.
Times for Indian cities are Indian Standard Time; times abroad are local time. They match established panchangs to within a minute or two. For a city not listed, the nearest city is usually within a few minutes.
Festival and vrat calendars
FAQ
Bhai Dooj FAQs
Can the tilak be done in the morning?
Many families do it in the morning, which is fine by custom while Dwitiya lasts. The time the texts recommend is aparahna, in the early afternoon.
What is Yama Dwitiya?
The scriptural name of Bhai Dooj. Yama, Chitragupta and Yama's attendants are worshipped, and a morning bath in the Yamuna is considered especially meritorious.
Is the tilak time the same in every city?
No. Aparahna comes from sunrise and sunset, so it differs by city. The timings for 15 cities are given above.