Lord Ganesha is always worshipped by Hindus before they begin any new auspicious work. It is celebrated with pomp and gaiety in the states of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradhesh and Karnataka. The festival of Raksha Bandhan symbolises love affection and feeling of brotherhood. It is usually celebrated with joy and excitement in the month of August . Brothers and sisters reaffirm their bonds of affection on this day.
Sisters tie colourful threads or rakhis on their brothers' wrists.
The brothers in turn promise to protect their sisters and give them gifts. Rath Yathra - Puri Puri is the hallowed seat of the Hindu religious deities. Puri, situated on the shores of the Bay of Bengal is also a city of outdoors, of lovely beaches, golden sands and gentle sunshine, tempting enough to invite visitors, both Indian and foreign, throughout the year. The sea in its various moods, now smoothly rolling, now huge breakers crashing down upon the shore, the sunrise as well as the sunset in all its natural splendour - is a memorable experience never to be forgotten. It is possibly one of the few religious places which provides the outdoor pleasures of sea and beaches along with religious piety of 'darshan', a sanctified experience of divine communion and hence draws crowds throughout the year.