Bhai Dooj 2026: The Festival of Brothers and Sisters

Bhai Dooj falls on Tuesday, November 10, 2026 — the fifth and final day of the Diwali festival. After four days of wealth, light, and feasting, Diwali closes with family at its simplest: a brother and a sister.

What Is Bhai Dooj?

Bhai Dooj celebrates the special bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters pray for their brothers’ long and happy lives, apply a protective vermilion mark (tilak) on their foreheads, and receive gifts in return. Brothers, in turn, promise to protect their sisters and offer them presents — the day is a renewal of the sibling bond, sealed with a tilak, sweets, and a shared meal.

Bhai Dooj 2026 Date

Tuesday, November 10, 2026. It closes the five-day Diwali festival that began with Dhanteras on November 6:

• Dhanteras — Friday, Nov 6
• Choti Diwali — Saturday, Nov 7
• Lakshmi Puja / Diwali — Sunday, Nov 8
• Govardhan Puja — Monday, Nov 9
• Bhai Dooj — Tuesday, Nov 10

Diwali Events Still On in Westchester and NYC

• BAPS Flushing Annakut — Tuesday, November 10, at BAPS New York, 43-38 Bowne Street, Flushing. The New Year Annakut darshan, with the mountain of food on display. Details
• Diwali Festival at Hudson River Museum — Saturday, November 14, 11:00 AM–5:00 PM, 511 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers. Westchester’s big Diwali finale: make your own diya to take home, create rangoli patterns, learn to drape a sari, get a henna design, and enjoy classical Indian music and dance. Details
• Diwali Celebration at SUNY Westchester — held Monday, Nov 9, 12:00–1:30 PM, 75 Grasslands Road, Valhalla, if you’re catching up on the week’s events. Details

Flying Home After Diwali? Ride with Dia Limo

Diwali week ends, and the flights home begin. If your family is heading back through JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, or Westchester County Airport, Dia Limo Service runs flat-rate airport rides — no surge, no meter, 24/7. See our airport taxi service or book on WhatsApp: 914-292-4800.

Bhai Dooj FAQ

When is Bhai Dooj in 2026?
Tuesday, November 10, 2026 — the final day of the five-day Diwali festival.

What happens on Bhai Dooj?
Sisters pray for their brothers’ long and happy lives, apply a tilak on their foreheads, and brothers give gifts in return.

What is the tilak on Bhai Dooj?
A protective vermilion mark applied by the sister on her brother’s forehead, as a blessing for his health and long life.

How does the Diwali festival end?
With Bhai Dooj on the fifth day — a quiet, family day of siblings, sweets, and gifts after the lights and fireworks.

Happy Bhai Dooj from Dia Limo Service — and a happy Diwali to every family we drove this week. 🪔