Bhai Dooj 2030 in Auckland falls on Monday, October 28, 2030. Sunrise is 6:20 AM GMT+13.
Yamuna fed her brother Yama on this day, and the lord of death granted that brothers honored thus would fear no untimely end — hence Yama Dwitiya. Sisters apply tilak, perform aarti and pray for their brothers, who bless and gift them in return.
The closing day of the five-day Diwali festival — the sibling counterpart to Raksha Bandhan. Celebrated as Bhau Beej in Maharashtra, Bhai Phonta in Bengal, and Yama Dwitiya in the South; bathing together in the Yamuna at Mathura is held especially auspicious.
The tilak is traditionally applied during aparahna — the window shown here. Sisters feed brothers with their own hands; rice, coconut and sweets are the classic offerings.