Bhai Dooj Mantras — Prayers for the Brother-Sister Bond
Bhai Dooj (भाई दूज), or Yama Dwitiya, is celebrated two days after Diwali, honouring the bond between brothers and sisters. A sister applies a tilak on her brother's forehead and prays for his long life and prosperity; the brother vows to protect her. It recalls Yamuna welcoming her brother Yama. These are the mantras for Bhai Dooj.
Ganesh Mantra — Auspicious Tilak
Begin the Bhai Dooj tilak ceremony with the Ganesh Mantra so the bond is blessed and free of obstacles.
Prayer for the Brother's Long Life
As the tilak is applied, the sister prays to Yama and Yamuna for her brother's long life — "Ganga puje Yamuna ko, Yami puje apne bhai ko". Recite the Krishna Aarti for his protection.
Lakshmi & Vishnu Prayers
Recite the Lakshmi Aarti and Vishnu Chalisa for the prosperity and well-being of the family and the brother.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Bhai Dooj 2026?▼
Bhai Dooj (Yama Dwitiya) is celebrated on the second day (Dwitiya) of Kartik Shukla Paksha, two days after Diwali (in October–November). The tilak is applied during the auspicious afternoon time.
Which mantra to chant on Bhai Dooj?▼
Begin with the Ganesh Mantra. As the sister applies the tilak, she prays for the brother's long life — traditionally "Bhai ki lambi umar ho" — invoking Yama and Yamuna. Reciting the Krishna Aarti and a prayer to Yama for protection is customary.
What is the story behind Bhai Dooj?▼
It is said that Yama, the lord of death, visited his sister Yamuna on this day; she welcomed him with a tilak, aarti and a feast, and Yama blessed that any brother who receives a tilak from his sister on this day will be free from fear of untimely death. Hence it is also called Yama Dwitiya.
More Festival Guides
🔱 Navratri Mantras & Prayers🪔 Diwali Puja Mantras🌙 Maha Shivaratri Mantras🙏 Hanuman Jayanti Mantras & Prayers🐘 Ganesh Chaturthi Mantras & Prayers🦚 Janmashtami Mantras & Prayers🏹 Ram Navami Mantras & Prayers⚔️ Dussehra & Vijayadashami Mantras🪐 Shani Jayanti Mantras & Remedies🌙 Karva Chauth Mantras & Vrat📖 Basant Panchami Mantras🌅 Chhath Puja Mantras🎨 Holi Mantras🪁 Makar Sankranti Mantras📿 Guru Purnima Mantras🌺 Hartalika Teej Mantras & Vrat🪙 Akshaya Tritiya Mantras🪢 Raksha Bandhan Mantras🎏 Gudi Padwa & Ugadi Mantras🏇 Khatu Shyam Ji Mantras & Phalgun Mela⛰️ Govardhan Puja (Annakut) Mantras🌊 Ganga Dussehra Mantras🪙 Dhanteras Mantras🌿 Tulsi Vivah Mantras🐍 Nag Panchami Mantras