Bhai Dooj 2026: Date and Tilak Timings in India, USA, UK, Canada and Australia
Bhai Dooj 2026 will be observed in India on Wednesday, 11 November. The festival celebrates the relationship between brothers and sisters and is observed during Kartika Shukla Dwitiya.
It is also known as Bhaiya Dooj, Bhau Beej in Maharashtra and parts of western India, Bhai Phota or Bhai Phonta in Bengal, Yama Dwitiya in parts of southern India and Bhai Tika in Nepal.
The observance date is not identical worldwide. Bhai Dooj falls on 10 November in several North American and European cities, but on 11 November in India and Australia. Timings below are shown in the local time of each city.
Bhai Dooj 2026 tilak timings
India – Wednesday, 11 November 2026
Delhi: 1:10 PM to 3:20 PM IST
Mumbai: 1:30 PM to 3:45 PM IST
Bengaluru: 1:12 PM to 3:31 PM IST
Chennai: 1:02 PM to 3:20 PM IST
Hyderabad: 1:08 PM to 3:24 PM IST
Kolkata: 12:27 PM to 2:40 PM IST
United States – Tuesday, 10 November 2026
New York: 12:40 PM to 2:41 PM local time
Chicago: 12:34 PM to 2:34 PM local time
Houston: 1:10 PM to 3:19 PM local time
Dallas: 1:15 PM to 3:22 PM local time
San Francisco: 12:55 PM to 2:59 PM local time
Seattle: 12:50 PM to 2:44 PM local time
Canada – Tuesday, 10 November 2026
Toronto: 1:00 PM to 2:59 PM local time
Vancouver: 12:52 PM to 2:45 PM local time
United Kingdom – Tuesday, 10 November 2026
London: 12:39 PM to 2:29 PM GMT
Australia – Wednesday, 11 November 2026
Sydney: 2:02 PM to 4:47 PM AEDT
Melbourne: 2:29 PM to 5:17 PM AEDT
Why does the Bhai Dooj date differ outside India?
Bhai Dooj is determined by the presence of Dwitiya Tithi during Aparahna, the afternoon period calculated using local sunrise and sunset. Because these conditions differ by location, people living abroad should not convert the Delhi muhurat into another time zone. They should follow the local date and timing for their city.
How is Bhai Dooj commonly observed?
A sister traditionally prepares a tilak thali, applies tilak to her brother’s forehead, performs aarti and offers sweets or a meal. She prays for his health and well-being, while the brother offers a gift and expresses his support and affection. Families may adapt the ceremony according to their regional customs.
A simple Bhai Dooj thali may include:
Roli or kumkum
Rice grains or akshat
A diya
Sweets
Flowers
Aarti plate
Coconut or fruit, according to family tradition
What if siblings live in different countries?
Siblings can connect through a video call and observe the occasion symbolically. Gifts or sweets may be sent separately. However, a video ceremony does not require both siblings to follow the same clock time. Each person can use the appropriate local date, while families may choose a mutually convenient time according to their customs.
For a broader guide to Diwali puja, rituals and traditions, read the India News Grid article:
Timings were checked on 8 November 2026 and apply to the named city centres. Panchang calculations can differ slightly by location and tradition. Readers should confirm the final tilak time with a trusted local temple, priest or city-specific Panchang. India News Grid is publishing this as an informational cultural listing and is not organising a public event.
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