Bhai Dooj 2026: Why is Bhai Dooj celebrated? Read the Story Connected to Lord Yamraj and Yamuna

When is Bhai Dooj Celebrated?

This year, Bhai Dooj will be celebrated on 11 November. Many people celebrate Bhai Dooj, but have you ever wondered why this festival is observed and when this tradition began? In this article, we will tell you the story and significance of Bhai Dooj.

According to the calendar, Bhai Dooj is observed every year on the Dwitiya Tithi of the Shukla Paksha of the month of Kartik. This sacred festival is dedicated to the bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters apply a tilak on their brothers’ foreheads and pray for their happiness, prosperity, and long life.

The Story Behind Bhai Dooj

The mythological scriptures state that Suryadev was married to Sanjna Devi. They had two children, a son named Yamraj and a daughter named Yamuna, who became one of the most sacred rivers. It is said that Surya Dev was displeased that his son Yamraj was the God of Mitru Lok. One day, he asked Yamraj to leave Suryalok. At that moment, heartbroken by this, Yamuna felt her father’s decision was unfair, and she decided to come to Earth. She constantly invited her brother to visit her, but Yamraj hesitated, as people usually avoid inviting the Lord of Death to their homes.

But one day Yamuna’s love and devotion brought Yamraj to visit her. He visited her on the day of Dwitiya Tithi of the Shukla Paksha of the month of Kartik. Yamuna welcomed her brother with great affection, performed his aarti, and applied a tilak on his forehead.

Touched by her love and devotion, Yamraj blessed his sister and declared that any brother who visits his sister on this day and receives her blessings will be granted a long, prosperous, and healthy life. Since that day, the day has been celebrated as Bhai Dooj, which symbolises the love between brothers and sisters.