Karthikai

The Tamil-Brahmins celebrate Karthikai during the second half of November or the first half of December.

According to Hindu mythology Parvati's second son Karthik was born as 6 babies. Since she was incapable of caring for all six babies she called six ladies to care for him.

Parvati then takes Karthik back once he grows up. The ladies then ask her who they are to him, especially since they cared for him during his childhood.

That is when Parvati tells them that they are his sisters.

Celebrating Brother: Ever since then sisters light lamps and prepare sweets made out of puffed rice called Pori.

They celebrate their brothers and their well being.

Celebrate Raksha Bandhan with these Rakhi E-Cards.

When: There is a star called Karthikai according to the Tamil calendar. It is celebrated on that particular day each year. The date may change.

Bhaubeej

Bhaubeej or Bahi-Vij is celebrated among the Maharashtrians. This festival comes before Diwali.

Celebrating Brother: The brother stands for Krishna the protector on this day. He eats a bitter fruit called Karith (since that was the fruit that Krishna is supposed to have eaten).

He then steps into a square-shaped puja area where the sister does his aarti.

The sisters celebrate and pray for their brother's well-being who they view as their protector. Special sweets like Basundi-poori or Shirkhand-poori is prepared on this day.

The brother gives the sisters some gifts and blessings.

Bhai-Phonta

The Bengalis celebrate Bhai-Phonta that is celebrated 2-3 days after Diwali.

Celebrating Brother: The sisters put a Phonta or tika on their brother's forehead. The sisters dip their fingers into kajol, a mixture of ghee, rice paste and almond paste and put the tika on their brother's forehead.

The sisters pray for the well-being of their brothers and they feed each other authentic Bengali sweets.

If you celebrate your brothers in a different way; do write into us at team@indiwo.com.