Overview
- Drik Panchang confirms the observance on Thursday, October 23.
- The Dwitiya tithi runs from 8:16 PM on October 22 to 10:46 PM on October 23, with the tilak muhurat from 1:13 PM to 3:28 PM (New Delhi reference; local timings may vary).
- Key rituals include a sister applying tilak, performing aarti and offering sweets, followed by gifts from the brother.
- The festival is known by regional names such as Bhai Tika, Bhau Beej and Bhai Phonta, with customs varying across India and Nepal.
- Recent guides highlight evolving practice in gifting, with more sisters also choosing presents for brothers.