While the celebration of Bhai Phonta on Pratipada might be surprising, in a vast region of East Bengal (now Bangladesh), Bhai Phonta has been historically observed spanning both Pratipad and Dwitiya in Kartik month after Diwali.
There are considerable differences between the two Bengals
(West Bengal, India, and Bangladesh) in the auspicious day, time, and the rhyme
(chhora) recited while applying the phonta.
The popular rhyme: ‘Bhaiyer kopale dilam phonta, Jom duare
porlo kata’ (I put a phonta on my brother's forehead, the thorn at Yama’s door
has been removed)
— changes to this version on Pratipad: ‘Protipode phonta
dwitiyate neeta, Aaj hote bhai amar Jom duare tita.’ (Phonta on Pratipad, taken
(neeta) on Dwitiya, from today my brother is bitter (protected) at Yama's
door.)
The folk meaning of this rhyme is that the sister will apply
the phonta on the brother's forehead on Pratipad. The following afternoon
(Dwitiya) will be dedicated to feasting and merriment for this festival.
The reason for observing Bhai Phonta on Pratipada in East Bengal is that, in the past, travel relied solely on waterways. Returning home by boat on the same day after receiving the phonta was impossible. Thus, sisters would apply the phonta to their brothers on the previous day. The next day was only for feasting. This tradition is still followed, celebrating Bhai Phonta on Pratipada.