Every year, Bhai Phonta in Bengal is observed on the second lunar day (Dwitiya Tithi) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Kartik. There is a special reason behind this ritual as well and why the tilak or sacred mark is made using little finger of left hand. On the day of Bhai Phonta, sisters apply a sacred mark or tilak on their brothers’ foreheads and pray for their well-being. The ritual begins by welcoming the brothers with the flame of a lamp, rice grains, durva grass, husked rice, and betel leaves.
After that, using the little finger of the left hand, the
sister applies a sandalwood mark on the brother’s forehead. But do you know why
the left hand and the little finger are used?
The explanation lies in Sanatan Hindu scriptures. It is
believed that the five fingers of the hand represent the five elements (Pancha
Bhoota)—earth, water, fire, air, and ether. The little finger represents ether
(space).
It is further believed that the bond between a brother and sister is as generous, infinite, and boundless as the sky. Therefore, as a symbol of the sky, the mark has traditionally been applied with the little finger of the left hand, a custom that has continued for ages.