Chennai · Tamil Nadu
Bhai Dooj 2028in Chennai
Exact puja times & muhurta computed for Chennai coordinates (13.08°N, 80.27°E)
Key Timings
Festival Date
Thursday, October 19, 2028
Sunrise
05:59
Sunset
17:47
Why This Date?
Bhai Dooj follows the Udaya Tithi rule — the festival is observed on the day when the required tithi prevails at sunrise. This is the default Dharmasindhu convention for festivals without a special time-window requirement.
Calculation Proof — Transparent Audit Trail
Deity
Yama, Yamuna
Mythology & Legend
Bhai Dooj is rooted in the story of Yama (the God of Death) and his twin sister Yamuna. After a long absence, Yama visited Yamuna on this day, and she welcomed him with an aarti, a tilak on his forehead, and a feast. Touched by her love, Yama granted a boon that any brother who receives a tilak from his sister on this day shall be freed from the fear of untimely death. Another tradition links it to Lord Krishna visiting his sister Subhadra after slaying Narakasura.
How to Observe
Sisters apply a ceremonial tilak of kumkum, rice, and sandalwood on their brother's forehead, perform his aarti, and pray for his long life. Brothers give gifts and sweets in return and vow to protect their sisters. Special foods and sweets are prepared. If a sister has no brother, she may worship Yama and the moon.
Significance
Bhai Dooj celebrates the sacred bond between brother and sister. It is the fifth and final day of the Diwali festival. The blessing of a sister is believed to be powerful enough to ward off Yama himself. It is observed across India by different names — Bhai Phota in Bengal, Bhai Tika in Nepal, and Bhai Bij in Gujarat.