On this day, brothers and sisters meet to express love and affection for each other. It is based on a story when Yama , lord of Death, visited his sister Yami (the river Yamuna). Yami welcomed Yama with an Aarti and they had a feast together. Yama gave a gift to Yami while leaving as a token of his appreciation. So, the day is also called 'YAMA DWITIYA'. Brothers visit their sisters’ place on this day and usually have a meal there, and also give gifts to their sisters. Sisters do the “ aukshan” to their brothers.

In Maharashtra and Goa, the festival of Bhaubeej or Bhav-Bij is very popular. The essence of this festival is similar to that of Raksha Bandhan except that the reasoning behind it is different. On this day the sister worships her brother with a Arati. The brother stands for Krishna who did the noble deed of killing the demon Narkasura.