On this day the sisters get ready and put a 'Tilak’ or a vermillion mark on the forehead of their brothers and perform a 'aarti’ by showing him the holy flame and prays for his well being. Brothers and sisters exchange gifts with each other for all their love and care.
Bhai Dooj is celebrated is most parts of India but is known by different names.
* The celebration of this festival in Bihar is quite different where the sisters heap choicest of curses on their brothers and then they prick their own tongue as a punishment and ask for their brothers' forgiveness. Brothers' bless their sisters and pray for their well being.
* In West Bengal, Bhai Dooj is known as Bhai Phota. Sisters fast in the morning until the traditional ceremonies are completed. The tilak is made of ghee, sandalwood (chandan) and kohl (kajal). Kheer and coconut laddoos are among the traditional sweets of the festival.
* In Gujarat, it is celebrated as Bhai Beej with traditional tilak ceremony and perform aarti (prayers).
* The Marathi speaking communities of Maharashtra and Goa, celebrate this festival as Bhav Bij. The sisters draw a square on the floor where the brothers are supposed to sit only after he eats a bitter fruit called Karith. Basundi Poori and Shrikhand Poori are the popular dishes of the festival.