When is Bhai Dooj in 2027?

Which story is remembered?

By legend, Yama, the god of death, visited his sister Yamuna (Yami) on this day after a long separation. She welcomed him warmly, applied a tilak on his forehead, fed him lovingly and prayed for his wellbeing. Touched, Yama declared that any brother who receives a tilak and is honoured by his sister on this day would be blessed with long life and freed from fear of death — establishing Bhai Dooj, also called Yama Dwitiya.

Puja vidhi for Bhai Dooj

1. 1

   Sisters applying a ceremonial tilak on their brothers' foreheads

2. 2

   Performing aarti and praying for the brother's long life and prosperity

3. 3

   Brothers giving gifts to their sisters in return

4. 4

   Sharing a special festive meal prepared by the sister

5. 5

   Exchanging sweets and family gatherings

6. 6

   In Maharashtra, sisters drawing a square (chowk) for the brother to sit on during the ritual

Offerings and festive foods

What families prepare and offer on Bhai Dooj.

• A tilak of roli and rice on the brother's forehead
• A meal cooked by the sister for her brother
• Sweets and a dry coconut in the puja thali
• Gifts exchanged between brother and sister
• Prayers for the brother's long life, after Yamuna who welcomed Yama

Mantras to chant

Chant with a clear sankalp, facing east or north, on a mala if you keep one.

Mahamrityunjaya Mantra

Om Tryambakam Yajamahe | Sugandhim Pushti-Vardhanam | Urvarukamiva Bandhanan | Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat

A prayer for protection, healing and release

Meaning and how to chant

Names and customs across India

Bhai Dooj is celebrated across India under different names: Bhai Beej or Bhau Beej in the West (Maharashtra, Gujarat), Bhai Phonta in Bengal (with an elaborate tilak ceremony and feast), Bhratri Dwitiya in the East, and Bhai Tika in Nepal (one of the most important days of Tihar). All share the central ritual of a sister honouring her brother for his long life.

Which classical sources guide the practice?

This occurrence follows the date record's stated confidence. For formal worship, confirm the local panchang and temple's announced schedule; a Gregorian date alone does not settle the city-specific ritual window.