When is Ganesh Chaturthi (गणेश चतुर्थी) in 2026?

Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 starts on September 14, marking the beginning of the 10-day grand Ganeshotsav festival in Maharashtra.

Does this calendar include Maharashtra state holidays?

Yes, we track all official public holidays in Maharashtra, including Maharashtra Day, Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti, Gudi Padwa, and Ambedkar Jayanti.

How do I know which exact day to perform a specific Puja?

Our calendar maps major festivals to the primary civil day of observance. For exact fractional Tithi bounds, please visit our Daily Panchang page.

When is Bhau Beej celebrated in 2026 in Maharashtra?

Bhau Beej (Bhai Dooj) 2026 will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 11, 2026 (Kartik Shukla Dwitiya). The Dwitiya tithi extends throughout the day, which is the traditional time for sister-brother Auchan and festive dining.

What is the auspicious Bhau Beej 2026 Auchan Muhurat?

The most sacred Aparahna Kaal Muhurat for Bhau Beej Auchan on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, is from 01:18 PM to 03:32 PM. An auspicious morning window is also available between 08:12 AM and 09:35 AM.

Why is Bhau Beej also called Yamadvitiya?

According to ancient Hindu scriptures, Lord Yama (the God of Death) visited his sister Yamuna on Kartik Shukla Dwitiya. Yamuna welcomed him with Aarti and a royal feast. Delighted, Yama granted a boon that any brother who receives his sister's Auchan and shares food at her home on this day will be granted protection from untimely death (Apmrityu).

What is the tradition of Bhau Beej Bhet in Maharashtra?

After the sister performs Auchan with a lighted lamp and applies a tilak, the brother presents her with a gift called 'Bhau Beej Bhet' — often comprising cash, gold or silver coins, clothes, or thoughtful gifts — along with a solemn pledge of lifelong love and protection.

Is Bhau Beej an official public holiday in Maharashtra?

Yes, Bhau Beej is an official gazetted public holiday across Maharashtra. Government offices, schools, colleges, banks, and commercial institutions remain closed.

Bhau Beej 2026 | भाऊबीज २०२६

Bhau Beej 2026 Sibling Auchan Maharashtra Celebration

Looking for calendar views and tithis?

Read more about the exact tithi timings and planetary alignments in our comprehensive November 2026 Calendar.

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About Bhau Beej(उत्सव माहिती)

Bhau Beej (celebrated in Maharashtra as भाऊबीज and across ancient scriptures as Yamadvitiya - यमद्वितीया) is the heartwarming fifth and final day of the Diwali festival. Falling on the second day (Dwitiya) of the bright fortnight in the sacred month of Kartik, Bhau Beej is an emotional and spiritually sacred celebration honoring the pure, protective, and lifelong bond between brothers and sisters.

In Maharashtra, this day is celebrated with unmatched cultural tenderness. Married sisters eagerly await the arrival of their brothers at their homes. A decorative wooden seat (Pat) is laid on the floor, bordered with vibrant geometric Rangoli patterns. The brother is seated facing East or North, and his sister performs the ancient ritual of Auchan (ओवाळणी) using a shining brass plate holding a lighted ghee lamp (Niranjan), scented flowers, and vermilion.

After applying a protective sandalwood and kumkum tilak, the sister feeds her brother festive sweets like Basundi, Puran Poli, or Karanji. In return, the brother presents his sister with thoughtful gifts (Bhau Beej Bhet), pledges his lifelong protection, and touches the feet of elder sisters to seek their sacred blessings. The day culminates in a grand festive feast where the entire extended family rejoices together.

History: Bhau Beej is rooted in two deeply moving Puranic and Vedic legends:

1. The Legend of Lord Yama and Goddess Yamuna (Yamadvitiya): The Sun God Surya had two divine children: Yama (the God of Justice and Death) and his sister Yamuna (the sacred river goddess). Despite her repeated invitations, busy Yama was unable to visit his sister for centuries. Finally, on Kartik Shukla Dwitiya, Yama arrived unexpectedly at Yamuna's doorstep. Overjoyed, Yamuna welcomed her brother with open arms, decorated his forehead with a holy vermilion tilak, and prepared a lavish banquet of his favorite delicacies. Deeply touched by her pure love, Lord Yama told Yamuna to ask for any boon. Yamuna requested: *'O brother! May this day be immortalized. Any brother who visits his sister on Kartik Dwitiya, eats food prepared by her hand, and receives her loving Auchan shall be freed from fear of premature death (Apmrityu) and the torment of hell.'* Lord Yama granted the boon, naming the day Yamadvitiya.

2. Lord Krishna and Sister Subhadra: Following the slaying of the demon Narakasura on Naraka Chaturdashi, Lord Krishna travelled to meet his beloved sister Subhadra. Subhadra received Krishna with triumphant jubilation, washed his feet, applied a protective sandalwood tilak on his forehead, and performed Aarti with sweet prayers of gratitude, gifting him festive sweets.

Significance: Bhau Beej reinforces family loyalty, mutual respect, and women's honor across Maharashtrian society:

Spiritual Shield of Long Life (दीर्घायुष्य रक्षा): The sister's Aarti and prayers act as a spiritual shield guarding the brother against illnesses, accidents, and premature demise.
Honoring Married Daughters & Sisters: In traditional Maharashtrian culture, Bhau Beej provides a dedicated cultural occasion for brothers to travel to their married sisters' homes, ensuring married women feel deeply cherished, supported, and connected to their maternal roots (Maher).
Sibling Reconciliation: Any misunderstandings, sibling rivalries, or distance that may have arisen during the year are dissolved on Bhau Beej over shared sweets and heartfelt prayers.
The Evening Crescent Moon Darshan (द्वितीया चंद्रदर्शन): In Maharashtra, seeing the tender crescent moon on Bhau Beej evening is considered a divine omen, bringing peace, marital happiness, and domestic tranquility.