On the day of Bhai Dooj sisters invite their brothers for a sumptuous meal and offer brothers their favorite dishes. Following the tradition, sisters prepare a special square shaped space on the floor. The square is further embellished with beautiful designs using corn powder. Interestingly, before the brother is made to step into this square place of worship, he is made to eat a bitter fruit. This peculiar custom has its root in a mythological legend, according to which Lord Krishna is said to have tasted this fruit before he set out to kill demon Narkasura. Here, brother stands for Lord Krishna who performed the noble deed of killing the demon.
It may be noted that according to a popular Bhai Dooj legend in Hindu mythology, after slaying Narkasura, Lord Krishna visited his sister Subhadra who gave him a warm welcome with sweets and flowers. She also affectionately applied tilak on Krishna's forehead. Since then the custom of celebrating Bhai Dooj or Bhaubeej started.
Carrying forward the Bhai Dooj ceremony in traditional style, sisters perform aarti of their brother and apply a red tika on the brother's forehead. This teeka ceremony, on the occasion of Bhai Dooj signifies sister's sincerest prayers for the long and happy life of her brother. In return brothers bless his sister's and treat them with gifts or some cash. As it is customary in Maharashtra to celebrate the auspicious occasion of Bhaubeej, women who don't have brother worship Moon God.