Bhai Dooj

Yama visited his sister Yamuna after long separation. She welcomed him with a tilak and a meal, and he granted that any brother who receives a tilak from his sister on this day will be spared untimely death, hence Yama Dwitiya.

A sister applies tilak, performs aarti, and feeds her brother, who gives a gift. Distinct from Raksha Bandhan: there the sister ties a thread and receives protection; here she feeds him and grants him longevity.

A full meal cooked by the sister, and sweets. In Maharashtra, basundi and puri.

Bengal's Bhai Phonta uses a sandalwood, curd and rice paste mark rather than a tilak, with a specific verse recited. Bhai Beej is the Gujarati name for the same festival.