Bhai Dooj: the story of Yama and Yamuna and how it is celebrated
Bhai Dooj comes two days after Diwali. The story of Yama and Yamuna, the custom of the tilak, and the festival's names across India and in Nepal.
Rohit Tandon · 14 October 2026 · 4 min read
The last day of the five days of Diwali is Bhai Dooj — the festival of the love between brothers and sisters. It falls on the Dwitiya (second day) of the bright half of the month of Kartik, so it is also called "Yama Dwitiya". On this day sisters put a tilak on their brothers' foreheads, perform aarti and pray for their long life; in return, brothers give their sisters gifts and promise to protect them.
The story of Yama and Yamuna
According to the Puranas, Yama and Yamuna, the children of the Sun god, were brother and sister. Yamuna loved her brother dearly and kept inviting him home for a meal, but Yama, the god of death, was so busy with his work that he could never go. At last, on the day of Kartik Shukla Dwitiya, Yama arrived at his sister's home. Yamuna joyfully put a tilak on his forehead, performed aarti and served him a meal with love.
Pleased, Yama asked his sister to ask for a boon. Yamuna asked that every year, on this day, any brother who visits his sister's home and accepts her hospitality should have no fear of Yama. Yama said "so be it" — and since then the day has been celebrated as Bhai Dooj.
The story of Krishna and Subhadra
According to another story, after slaying Narakasura, Lord Krishna went to visit his sister Subhadra. Subhadra greeted her brother with lamps, flowers and a tilak. This, too, is linked with the tradition of Bhai Dooj.
Did you know? On Bhai Dooj, brothers and sisters bathe together in the Yamuna at Vishram Ghat in Mathura. A bath in the Yamuna is believed to be specially meaningful on this day.
Different names, one feeling
| Region | Name |
|---|---|
| North India | Bhai Dooj, Bhaiya Dooj, Yama Dwitiya |
| Maharashtra, Goa | Bhau-Beej |
| West Bengal | Bhai Phonta |
| Nepal | Bhai Tika (the last day of the Tihar festival) |
In Nepal, sisters put a seven-coloured tika on their brothers' foreheads and garland them with marigolds. In Bengal, sisters put a phonta (tilak) of sandalwood paste on their brothers' foreheads while reciting a prayer for their protection.
How Bhai Dooj is celebrated
- The sister decorates a plate with roli, akshat (rice), a lamp and sweets.
- The brother is seated, a tilak is put on his forehead and aarti is performed.
- The sister feeds her brother with her own hands.
- The brother gives his sister a gift and promises to help her in every situation.
- In the Kayastha community, Lord Chitragupta and the pen and inkpot are also worshipped on this day.
Bhai Dooj and Raksha Bandhan: the difference
Both festivals celebrate the love of brothers and sisters, but their customs differ. Raksha Bandhan falls on Shravan Purnima, when sisters tie a rakhi on their brothers' wrists. Bhai Dooj falls on Kartik Shukla Dwitiya, when the tilak and the brother eating at his sister's home are the main customs.
Key points
- Bhai Dooj falls on Kartik Shukla Dwitiya, two days after Diwali.
- Its main story is of Yama visiting his sister Yamuna's home.
- It is called Bhau-Beej in Maharashtra, Bhai Phonta in Bengal and Bhai Tika in Nepal.
- The sister puts a tilak, performs aarti and serves her brother a meal.
- The rakhi is the main custom of Raksha Bandhan; the tilak is the main custom of Bhai Dooj.
Read about the other days of the Diwali festival in Why is Diwali celebrated and Interesting facts about Diwali.
Frequently asked questions
When is Bhai Dooj celebrated?
On Kartik Shukla Dwitiya, two days after Diwali. Its date in the English calendar changes with the tithi; check your panchang.
Why is Bhai Dooj called Yama Dwitiya?
Because on this day Yama visited his sister Yamuna's home, and it falls on the Dwitiya tithi.
Read more: Interesting facts · Quiz: Class 5: festivals of India.
Sources
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