Bhai Dooj is celebrated on which day of the Diwali festival cycle?

Bhai Dooj is celebrated on the second lunar day (Dwitiya) of the Shukla Paksha of Kartik month, which is the fifth and final day of the Diwali festival cycle. The sequence of Diwali begins with Dhanteras, followed by Naraka Chaturdashi, the main Diwali day, Govardhan Puja, and finally Bhai Dooj. It comes two days after Diwali and is dedicated to the bond between brothers and sisters. Much like Raksha Bandhan, Bhai Dooj centers on sibling love but has its own rituals and legends. The timing marks the closing of Diwali festivities with a celebration of family unity and affection.