Hindus commemorate Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhai Tika, Bhaubeej, Bhai Beej, Bhai Phonta, or Bhratri Dwitiya, on the second lunar day of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) of Kartika, the eighth month of the Shalivahana Shaka calendar or the Vikram Samvat Hindu calendar. It is observed on the occasions of Holi and Diwali, also known as Tihar. This day’s festivities are comparable to those of Raksha Bandhan.
Yama Dwitiya is the name given to the day in southern India. The community of Kayastha celebrates two Bhai Doojs. The more well-known one occurs the day after Diwali. However, the lesser known one is observed one- or two-days following Diwali. In Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, there is a custom that involves performing a brother’s aarti with a dry coconut (referred to as gola in the local tongue) tied along its breadth for worship. The day, known as Bhai Photo in Bengal, is observed one day following Kali Puja.