History and Story Of Bhai Phonta
The earliest reference to Bhai Phonta in Bengal can be traced back to a palm-leaf manuscript named Sarvananda Sundari, which suggests that the tradition of Bhratri Dwitiya began around 527 BCE.
Several mythological stories are associated with its origin. The most famous is the one associated with Sri Krishna and Subhadra. Yet another story states that Goddess Lakshmi made King Bali her brother on the day. One legend connects it to Mahavira Jain. It is said that after Mahavira’s death in the late 13th century BCE, King Nandit Vardhan’s grieving sister was persuaded to eat food to overcome her sorrow, and thus the ritual of Bhratri Dwitiya began.
Another popular story is that of Yama and Yami.
Where and When
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.Bhai Phonta On Pratipada - First Day After Kali Puja And Diwali
When sisters apply the phonta (auspicious mark) to their brothers’ foreheads, they say:
“Pratipade phonta, dwitiate neeta,
aaj hote bhai amar, Yamer duware teeta.”
(“A mark on Pratipada, an invitation on Dwitiya —
From today, my brother is unwelcome at Yama’s gate.”)
The familiar rhyme — “Bhaier kopale dilam phonta, Yamer duware porlo kanta” (“I placed the mark on my brother’s forehead, and thorns rose at Yama’s door”) — takes on a slightly different form during Pratipada Bhai Phonta.
When a sister is married, the phonta is usually given on Pratipada.
East Bengal is a land of rivers — cloudy skies and sudden rains often influenced festivals. In those times, the noise of motorcars was unheard of; life moved by water. Boats were kept ready at homes. The sister’s house or the brother’s residence — or the path between a daughter’s parental and in-law’s homes — were far apart. Hence, they made arrangements to celebrate a day earlier.
“Pratipade phonta, dwitiate neeta” meant the phonta was given on the first day, and the invitation to feast was for the next. Since a daughter could not easily visit her parental home amid her household duties and the unpredictable rivers and rains, this ensured she could still come home. It was a way to hold on to her brother, or for the brother to stay just a little longer.
The phonta ritual would be completed the day before Dwitiya, and the following day would be marked by a grand feast.
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.
Applying curd (yogurt) as part of the phonta is considered very auspicious. You may combine it with sandalwood while applying.
Dwitiar chaande dil dekha.
Bhai Dwitiar dilam phonta,
Ore ore karual tui sahore jaite,
Bhai Phonta kotha shuntam, gobor anya dite.”
Bhaidhanere dutiya dib range,
Parari dakaiya bhoyne rongi gua paril go,
Bhaidhaner dutiya dib range.”
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
- In
- Yama Dwitiya in Karnataka and parts of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh