Diwali night has passed, but the five-day festival of lights isn’t over yet. Two of its most-loved days are still to come: Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj. Because the lunar dates don’t line up neatly with the calendar, many families are confused about which day to celebrate. Here is exactly when Bhai Dooj 2026 and Govardhan Puja fall, the auspicious timings, and what each day means.
Quick answer: In India, Govardhan Puja is on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, with the morning muhurat from 6:40 AM to 8:50 AM. Bhai Dooj 2026 is on Wednesday, November 11, and the tilak muhurat is 1:10 PM to 3:20 PM. Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) was on Sunday, November 8. Timings are for New Delhi from Drik Panchang; they shift by a few minutes in other cities.
Diwali 2026 calendar: all five days
| Day | Festival | Date (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Dhanteras | Friday, November 6 |
| Day 2 | Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) | Saturday, November 7 (observed on November 8 in some regions) |
| Day 3 | Diwali / Lakshmi Puja | Sunday, November 8 |
| Day 4 | Govardhan Puja / Annakut | Tuesday, November 10 |
| Day 5 | Bhai Dooj | Wednesday, November 11 |
Notice the gap on Monday, November 9. The Pratipada tithi (the first lunar day after the new moon) only begins at 12:31 PM on November 9 in India. Hindu festivals usually follow the tithi that is present at sunrise, so Govardhan Puja moves to the morning of November 10. That’s why this year’s calendar has an “empty” day between Diwali and Govardhan Puja.
Govardhan Puja 2026: date and muhurat
| Detail | Timing (New Delhi, IST) |
|---|---|
| Date | Tuesday, November 10, 2026 |
| Pratahkala (morning) muhurat | 6:40 AM to 8:50 AM |
| Pratipada tithi begins | 12:31 PM, November 9 |
| Pratipada tithi ends | 2:00 PM, November 10 |
What is Govardhan Puja?
Govardhan Puja remembers the story of Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill on his little finger to shelter the people and cattle of Braj from torrential rain sent by Indra. Devotees make a small “hill” from cow dung or mud, decorate it with flowers, and offer prayers and food.
It’s also called Annakut, meaning “mountain of food.” Temples and homes prepare dozens or even hundreds of vegetarian dishes as an offering, which are then shared as prasad. In Gujarat, the day after Diwali is also celebrated as Bestu Varas, the Gujarati New Year.
Bhai Dooj 2026: date and tilak muhurat
| Detail | Timing (New Delhi, IST) |
|---|---|
| Date | Wednesday, November 11, 2026 |
| Tilak muhurat (Aparahna time) | 1:10 PM to 3:20 PM |
| Dwitiya tithi begins | 2:00 PM, November 10 |
| Dwitiya tithi ends | 3:53 PM, November 11 |
Even though the Dwitiya tithi begins on the afternoon of November 10, panchangs place Bhai Dooj on November 11 because the tilak is traditionally done in the afternoon (Aparahna) period while Dwitiya is in effect. If you miss the 1:10–3:20 PM window, many families still do the tilak any time before the tithi ends at 3:53 PM.
What is Bhai Dooj?
Bhai Dooj celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters apply a tilak (usually roli and rice) on their brother’s forehead, perform aarti, and pray for his long life and happiness. Brothers give gifts and promise to protect their sisters. Sweets are shared, and many families have a special meal together.
According to legend, Yama, the god of death, visited his sister Yamuna on this day. She welcomed him with a tilak and a feast, and he blessed her, so the day is also called Yama Dwitiya.
Bhai Dooj across India
| Region | Name |
|---|---|
| North India | Bhai Dooj |
| Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka | Bhau Beej / Bhaubeej |
| Gujarat | Bhai Beej |
| West Bengal | Bhai Phonta (Bhai Phota) |
| Nepal | Bhai Tika (celebrated during Tihar) |
In West Bengal, Bhai Phonta can follow its own local almanac, so check your local calendar for the exact day there.
How to do the Bhai Dooj tilak
- Prepare a thali with roli (kumkum), akshat (unbroken rice), a diya, sweets and a few flowers.
- Seat your brother facing north or east, often on a low wooden stool, with a cloth or handkerchief on his head.
- Apply the tilak of roli and rice on his forehead during the muhurat.
- Perform aarti with the diya and pray for his wellbeing.
- Offer sweets; the brother then gives a gift or blessing in return.
Customs differ from family to family, so follow your own household’s traditions.
Celebrating outside India?
Lunar dates depend on local sunrise, so dates can shift abroad. For example, Drik Panchang lists Govardhan Puja on Monday, November 9 for California, a day earlier than in India. If you live in the US, UK, Canada or Australia, check a panchang set to your own city before fixing your plans.
Bhai Dooj gift ideas
- Sweets or dry fruit boxes
- A personalised photo frame or handwritten letter
- Books, headphones or gadgets your sibling has wanted
- A day out together: a meal, a movie or a short trip
Shopping online for gifts? Stay alert to fake deals and read our guide to Black Friday 2026 sale dates, which start later this month.
Frequently asked questions
When is Bhai Dooj 2026?
Wednesday, November 11, 2026, with the tilak muhurat from 1:10 PM to 3:20 PM (New Delhi time).
When is Govardhan Puja 2026?
Tuesday, November 10, 2026, in India. The morning muhurat is 6:40 AM to 8:50 AM.
Why is there a gap between Diwali and Govardhan Puja this year?
The Pratipada tithi starts at 12:31 PM on November 9, after sunrise, so Govardhan Puja is observed on the morning of November 10.
When was Diwali 2026?
Diwali and Lakshmi Puja were on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
Is Bhai Dooj the same as Raksha Bandhan?
Both celebrate siblings, but on Raksha Bandhan sisters tie a rakhi, while on Bhai Dooj they apply a tilak. Bhai Dooj comes at the end of Diwali; Raksha Bandhan is in the month of Shravan.
Timings are based on Drik Panchang for New Delhi and may vary by a few minutes in your city. Follow your family’s or local priest’s guidance for rituals.
Sources: Drik Panchang (Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj 2026, New Delhi and US locations), Astrotalk (Diwali 2026 calendar), Daily Jagran.
