BHAI DOOJ

Though the celebration of Bhai dooj is very mythological based, this festival also helps in knowing what it's like to be culturally aware. The celebrations of Bhai dooj reflects the importance of unique cultural traditions that vary with different region of India. This helps to keep the family close and brings prosperity, well being and luck. The festival falls on the second day after Diwali and is celebrated all over the country.

The Bhai dooj puja is carried out in the general puja room, or on the same platform that was decorated for Diwali. The sister decorates the mithai, batashas, roli and rice along with the coconut on a thaali. The puja lamp is lit; and after the puja that is performed by every member of the household, the sister applies the teeka on the forehead of the brother. After applying tikka, she gives him a few of the eatables along with the coconut.

Married women staying close by visiting their parents' place early in the morning to greet their brothers and those staying far off either take out few days to visit her brother or express their love and blessings through posting greeting cards or e-cards and sending their good wishes. After the rituals are performed, brothers give gifts to their sisters. Generally, the girl of the house is given presents of clothes, utensils, and lots of mithai and fruits at festivals.

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