After the celebrations of Diwali-there comes the festival of lights - firecrackers and sweets, sisters in India get ready for 'Bhai Dooj'. The festival falls on the second day after Diwali and is celebrated all over the country. Bhai Dooj or Bhaiyaduj is the festival of brother and sister, where sisters ceremonize their love for their brothers by putting an auspicious tilak or a vermilion mark on the forehead of their brothers and performs an aarti of him by showing him the light of the holy flame as a mark of love and protection from evil forces. Then its brother's turn, sisters are lavished with gifts, treats and blessings from their brothers.

The Celebrations
After Diwali comes the auspicious day -- the Bhai Duj. The day is full of excitement and enthusiasm. Since morning sisters are busy doing preparations for the festival. They decorate a puja plate with chandan paste (sandal wood), kajal, morning dew, green grass and paddy seeds or dhan along with sweets, roli, rice and coconut. Sister's observes fast till they put tilak on their brother's forehead. That day they also lay a lavish cuisine, all their brothers' favorite dishes. On the other hand brothers also eagerly wait for this occussion. Brothers sit on a carpet and sisters lit puja lamp, uttering the mantra, apply tilak of chandan/roli on the forehead, kajal and dew water with their little finger of left hand and give blessings with green grass and paddy seeds (dhan and durba). Finally they offerers sweets along with the coconut to their brother. Thus sisters wish their brothers long life, good health and all prosperity.

The Legend Associated
According to one legend, on this day, Lord Krishna, after assassinating the Narakasura demon, goes to his sister Subhadra who welcomes him with the lamp, flowers and sweets, and mark his forehead with holy protective spot. It is said that on an unknown past Yamuna marked on the forehead of Her brother Yama (the God of death). Even now that custom is carried on. There is a belief that a sister who has a brother is fortunate enough. Sister invites brother and brother waits for that with great expectations. It is a happy family gathering. Feasting, exchanging gifts and outing are a part of the ceremony.

Forms A Bond
The celebration of Bhai duj reflects the significance of rich Indian cultural and traditions that vary with different region of India. This helps to keep the family close and brings prosperity. The festival reveals the harmonious love and bond between the brother and sister that continuous to increase through their life.