Hindustani families across Fiji and the world have concluded their Diwali celebration today with Bhai Dooj, a festival honouring the unique bond between brothers and sisters.
Celebrated on the second day of the Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartika, Bhai Dooj is a day when sisters pray for the long life and happiness of their brothers.
Traditionally, sisters apply a tilak on their brothers' foreheads, perform aarti and offer blessings, while brothers vow to protect their sisters.
In an interview with fijivillage News, 22-year-old Akansha Engleen Chand from Moto, Ba, shared how she made this day meaningful for her younger brother.
She says to make her brother feel cherished, she prepares his favourite meals and feeds him by hand.
She says this year is especially significant for her, as she used her own earnings to celebrate.
Chand says she has cooked a variety of dishes for him, which is something she hasn't done before and has dedicated the whole day to her brother.
When asked about how she performs the day's rituals, Chand says she applies tilak, performs aarti, gives him a small gift and prays for his long life.
Chand says having a brother is a blessing and urges all siblings to always protect and love each other.
She says that her younger brother is like her own child, and she loves him unconditionally.
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