Kolkata, October 23 (Udaipur Kiran): The festival of Bhai Phota, symbolising the deep bond between brothers and sisters, was celebrated across West Bengal on Wednesday with devotion, love, and traditional fervour. On this auspicious day, sisters applied the sacred “phota” (tilak) on their brothers’ foreheads, praying for their long life, prosperity, and well-being.
Observed on the Dwitiya Tithi (second day) of the bright fortnight of the Kartik month, Bhai Phota holds deep cultural and mythological significance in Bengal. The festival is associated with Yam Dwitiya, rooted in the legend of Lord Yama, the god of death, and his sister Yamuna.
According to scriptures, on this day, Yamuna applied a tilak on Yama’s forehead, blessing him with immortality. Since then, sisters have followed this tradition to pray for their brothers’ longevity. Another popular tale connects Bhai Phota with Lord Krishna’s return to Mathura after slaying the demon Narakasura, when his sister Subhadra welcomed him by applying a tilak — a moment that inspired the Bengali tradition.
During the ritual, sisters light lamps, offer incense, and chant the traditional Bengali verse:
“Bhai-er mathay dilam phota,
Yamer mathay porlo kanta,
Jamuna dilo Jam-ke phota,
Aami dilam bhai-ke phota,
Yamer moto chiranjib hok amar bhai.”
(Meaning: “I apply the sacred mark on my brother’s forehead, as Yamuna did for Yama. May my brother live long, just like Yama, blessed with immortality.”)
Over the years, Bhai Phota has evolved beyond its religious roots to become a celebration of familial love and togetherness. In many localities, community Bhai Phota ceremonies are organized where women apply the symbolic tilak to men of the community, emphasizing universal brotherhood.
Families exchange gifts, sweets, and blessings, with sisters offering traditional delicacies and brothers returning the gesture with presents.
Celebrated just after Diwali, Bhai Phota stands as a beautiful reflection of Bengal’s cultural heritage, echoing the same spirit as Raksha Bandhan — a festival of love, protection, and mutual affection that strengthens family bonds.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
