Roasted chicken takes the place of the stuffed turkey of the West, for the meal. In the coastal regions, people have fish. In the tribal and rural areas of India, the menu is very different. Cakes made of rice flour and bananas form part of the ceremonial feast. As a gesture of goodwill, these confections are sent to homes which are in mourning.
Women also make thekudas and namkeens.
In some parts of southern India, payas is distributed among friends and relatives. Carol singing is also popular, but it is accompanied by rhythmic dancing. The dance forms vary from region to region. In the eastern states of Bihar, Assam, Manipur and Nagaland, it is customary to intersperse the feast with tribal dances. Among the orthodox, the festival is commemorated by prayers and purificatory rites.