New Delhi, Oct 25 (IANS): Delhiites, like many across the country, Saturday celebrated "Bhai Dooj", a festival that marks the bond of love between brothers and sisters.

Celebrated on the last day of the five-day-long Diwali festival, sisters, on this day, pray for a long and happy life for their brothers by applying vermilion on their foreheads.

The festival is known by different names like "Bhai Tika", "Bhai Phota" and "Bhai Bij" in different parts of the country.

Sisters, in return, receive gifts and money.

"I got to celebrate 'Bhai Dooj' after many years this time as my brother lives in Canada. I am so excited as he has brought so many gifts for me from there," Priyadarshini Singh, a resident of Greater Kailash, told IANS.

Sisters also invite their brothers for a meal that often includes their favourite dishes.

Swechha Sharma told IANS: "I got up early today and made kheer for my brother as he is very fond of it."

There are several stories behind the origin of this festival.

One popular belief says Yamraj, the god of death, went to visit his sister at her house and she welcomed him by putting an auspicious mark on his forehead for his welfare.

Another one says Lord Krishna, after killing Narkasur, went to meet his sister Subhadra. She welcomed him with a vermilion "tika", which started the tradition.

Women in colourful ethnic attire were seen travelling in the Metro and buses.

Women travellers enjoyed free ride on the non air-conditioned green Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses Saturday.

Sukriti Khanna, 18, said: "I have to go to my brother's house and with this free ride, the festival becomes even more exciting."