There are 4 special Mitzvot that we observe on Purim:
# 1 - Listening to the Megillah.
To relive the miraculous events of Purim, we listen to the reading of the Megillah - the Scroll of Esther - twice. Once on Purim eve and the second time, on Purim day.
To properly fulfill this mitzvah, it is crucial to hear every single word of the Megillah reading. At certain points in the reading where Haman's name is mentioned, it is customary to twirl graggers (Purim noisemakers) to "eradicate" his evil name.
#2 - Giving to the Needy (Matanot La'evyonim).
Concern for the needy is a year-round responsibility; but on Purim it is a special mitzvah to remember the poor.
We give charity to at least two, (but preferably more) needy individuals on Purim day.
The mitzvah is best fulfilled by giving directly to the needy. If, however, we cannot find poor people, then we can place at least two coins into a charity box. As with the other mitzvahs of Purim, even small children should fulfill this mitzvah.
# 3 - Sending Food Portions to Friends (Mishloach Manot)
On Purim we emphasize the importance of Jewish unity and friendship by sending gifts of food to friends.
On Purim day, we send a gift of at least two kinds of ready-to-eat foods (e.g., pastry, fruit, beverage), to at least one friend. Men should send to men and women to women. It is preferable that the gifts are delivered via a third party. (Children, in addition to sending their own gifts of food to their friends, make enthusiastic messengers.)
#4 - Eat, Drink and be Merry
Purim should be celebrated with a special festive meal on Purim Day, at which family and friends gather together to rejoice in the Purim spirit. It is a mitzvah to drink wine at this meal.
Tomorrow is the Fast of Esther, it commemorates the day that the Jews fasted and prayed to G-d for His help.
It is also the day that we give Machatzit Hashekel (half a shekel) to commemorate the silver, half shekel, Jews gave in the Beit Hamikdash.
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