Where and When
Bhai Phota is observed in the Kartik month in Bengali calendar and the day coincides with the Bhai Dooj festival in other parts of the country.
How is it Observed?
The sisters fast from the morning of Bhai Phonta and the fasting ends when she applies the sandalwood paste tika on the forehead of brothers. She also ties a holy thread on the wrist of the brothers. Brothers in return promise to protect her and present her with gifts.
Favorite dishes of brothers are prepared on the day by sisters. A small puja and ritual is performed while the sister applies Tika on her brother.
Bhai Phonta Rules
- To ensure the brother’s well-being, prepare a mixture of sandalwood paste, saffron (kesar), and Ganga water to apply the phonta on his forehead.
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It is considered auspicious if both brother and sister wear new clothes on this day.
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Avoid black clothing: Neither the brother nor the sister should wear black. This color should be completely avoided as it is considered inauspicious.
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Pay attention to directions: The brother should face north or northwest while receiving the Phonta, and the sister should face east or northeast. Performing the ritual in the correct direction is believed to bring prosperity.
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Don’t let the brother sit directly on the floor: Instead, place a seat or small wooden stool (chowki) on the floor for him to sit on.
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Light a lamp and perform an aarti after applying the Phonta: Then pray for your brother’s long life. This is believed to bring blessings to the brother. Afterward, feed him sweets and offer water to drink.
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Applying curd (yogurt) as part of the phonta is considered very auspicious. You may combine it with sandalwood while applying.
Festival is known by several names in other parts of India
- The day is observed as Bhai Dooj or Bhau Bij or Bhai Beej in
North India . - In
Maharashtra , the day is known as Bhai Tika. - Yama Dwitiya in Karnataka and parts of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh
