The post-Diwali celebration dedicated to brothers and sisters is called Bhai Dooj.
Bhai Dooj is observed on the second lunar day of the bright fortnight of Kartika, making it the closing day of the usual five-day Diwali sequence in many traditions. Sisters commonly welcome their brothers, apply a ceremonial tika or tilak, perform aarti, pray for their well-being, and share a meal. Brothers traditionally offer blessings and gifts in return.
The festival has several regional names, including Bhai Tika in Nepal, Bhau Beej in Maharashtra and Goa, and Bhai Phonta in Bengal. In southern India, it is associated with Yama Dwitiya. Stories explaining the day also vary: one connects it with Yama visiting his sister Yamuna, while another links it to Krishna visiting Subhadra.
Bhai Dooj is often confused with Raksha Bandhan because both celebrate sibling affection. Raksha Bandhan centers on a rakhi thread and occurs earlier in the year; Bhai Dooj belongs to the Diwali period.