In the vibrant and culturally rich land of West Bengal, India, the festival of Bhai Phota holds a special place in the hearts of brothers and sisters. Also known as Bhai Dooj or Bhai Tika in other parts of the country, Bhai Phota is a celebration of the bond between siblings and is observed two days after Diwali, on the second lunar day of Shukla Paksha in the Hindu calendar month of Kartik. In 2023, Bhai Phota will be celebrated on Thursday, 19th October.
History and Significance of Bhai Phota:
Bhai Phota has deep roots in Indian mythology and folklore. According to popular belief, on this day, Lord Yama, the god of death, visited his sister Yami, who welcomed him with an aarti, applied a tilak on his forehead, and fed him sweets. Touched by her love and hospitality, Lord Yama blessed Yami with a long and prosperous life. Since then, the tradition of Bhai Phota or Bhai Dooj has been followed by brothers and sisters to express their love for each other.
Bhai Phota Rituals and Traditions:
- Preparation: The preparations for Bhai Phota begin a few days in advance with sisters shopping for new clothes, sweets, gifts, and decorative items.
- Day of Bhai Phota:
- Morning Rituals: On the day of Bhai Phota, sisters wake up early, take a bath, and prepare the thali (plate) for the ceremony. The thali typically consists of a diya (oil lamp), sweets, roli (vermilion), rice grains, and flowers.
- Tilak Ceremony: Sisters perform aarti for their brothers, apply a tilak on their foreheads, tie a sacred thread (rakhi) on their wrists, and pray for their well-being.
- Exchange of Gifts: Brothers, in return, offer gifts and blessings to their sisters as a token of their love and appreciation.
- Feast: The festivities culminate in a grand feast where the entire family comes together to share a meal and celebrate the bond between siblings.
Bhai Phota Celebrations Across India:
While Bhai Phota is predominantly celebrated in West Bengal and other states in eastern India, the essence of the festival remains the same across the country. In the northern parts of India, it is known as Bhai Dooj and is celebrated with similar rituals and fervor. The festival of Bhai Dooj is also observed in Nepal, where it is called Bhai Tika.
Bhai Phota Traditions in West Bengal:
In West Bengal, Bhai Phota is marked by unique customs and traditions that have been passed down through generations. Some of the distinctive practices followed during Bhai Phota in Bengal include:
1. Sandesh: Offering sandesh, a traditional Bengali sweet, to siblings is considered auspicious on Bhai Phota.
2. Kajal Ceremony: Sisters apply kajal (kohl) on their brothers’ eyes to ward off evil and protect them from harm.
3. Arti with Diya: Lighting a diya during the aarti symbolizes the dispelling of darkness and the ushering in of light and positivity in the siblings’ lives.
FAQs about Bhai Phota:
-
Q: What is the significance of Bhai Phota in Hindu mythology?
A: Bhai Phota commemorates the reunion of Lord Yama and his sister Yami, symbolizing the eternal bond between siblings and the importance of love and protection in family relationships. -
Q: Can sisters perform Bhai Phota rituals for their cousins or close male friends?
A: Yes, sisters can perform the rituals of Bhai Phota for any male they consider as their brother, irrespective of blood relation. -
Q: What are some traditional gifts exchanged during Bhai Phota?
A: Common gifts exchanged during Bhai Phota include sweets, chocolates, apparel, accessories, books, and personalized items. -
Q: Is there a specific time of the day to perform Bhai Phota rituals?
A: It is ideal to perform the Bhai Phota rituals during the auspicious time known as the tithi of Aparahna, which usually falls in the afternoon. -
Q: How can non-resident Indians (NRIs) celebrate Bhai Phota if they are away from their siblings?
A: NRIs can celebrate Bhai Phota virtually through video calls, sending gifts or cards, or organizing a special surprise for their siblings in their absence.
Remember, Bhai Phota is not just a festival; it is a celebration of sibling love, trust, and the lifelong bond that brothers and sisters share. It is a reminder of the importance of family and the joy that comes from being together. So, as you prepare for Bhai Phota 2023, may the festivities fill your hearts with love, happiness, and gratitude for the beautiful relationship you share with your siblings.