Bhaier Kopale Dilam Phota, Jomer Duare porlo Kaata… yes this is the mantra that all sisters use during the eminent Hindu Festival Bhatri Ditya (Bhai Phota). The original name of this brother & sister festival is ‘Bhai Dooj’, though Bengali uses several names like ‘Bhai Phonta’ which is most familiar to all brothers & sisters, ‘Yama Dwiteeya’, ‘Bhatri Ditya’ etc.

What is Bhai Phota & what happens in Bhai Phota day?

Bhatri Diwitya / Bhai Phota is another hindu festival that celebrated for the Brother & Sister relationship after Rakhi Festival. On the day of Bhai Phota, Sisters put especially made Tilak (Phota) to their brother’s forehead. The Tilak normally created using Sandal paste, Kumkum, Vermilion & Curd. Bhai Phota specially an occasion where Sisters pray for long & healthy life for their brothers by giving them blessings using a special Bhai Phota Mantra (mentioned below). Sisters arrange various types of sweets, snacks for their siblings after applying the Tilak and then break their fasting of Bhai Phota. Brothers normally gift their sisters what they like most and then waits for the exclusive lunch where fish, meat & other vegetables dishes waits for them.

Bhai Phota / Bhatri Ditya Date: - Two days after Kali Puja is used as Bhai Phota Day in West Bengal & worldwide. Bhai Phota happens in Shukla Paksha and in Kartik month every Bengali year.

Bhai Phota / Bhatri Ditya Mantra (Shloka): Bengali sisters uses the following line during the application of Tilak to the forehead of their brothers.

"Bhai er kopale dilam phota, Jomer Duar e porlo kata, Jamuna Dae Jomke phota, Ami di amar bhai ke phota, Bhai jeno hoy lohar vata."

Bhai Phota / Bhatri Ditya / Bhai Dooj as per Hindu Mythology:

After slaying the evil demon Narkasur, Lord Krishna visited his sister Subhadra who gave him a warm welcome with sweets and flowers. She also affectionately applied tilak on Krishna's forehead. Some believe this to be the origin of the festival.

We wish all brothers & sisters to stay jointly throughout the life and hope that Bhai Phota Fest tighten their bond more and more.