Riya
Bhai Phota is a Bengali Hindu festival, which is celebrated on the second day after the Kali Puja. This festival celebrates the bond of love between brothers and sisters. This festival is celebrated similarly in Northern India as Bhai Dooj, in Nepal and other parts of Eastern India as Bhai Tika, in Western India as Bhau Beej and in Southern India as Yama Dwitiya. The celebration of Bhai Phota is similar to the festival of Raksha Bandhan. On this day the sisters observe a fast for their brothers until the ceremony is completed. The sisters apply tilak on the foreheads of their brothers with sandalwood paste and pray for their safety, success, well being, and long life. After that, both of the siblings’ exchange blessings and gifts. A grand feast is also organized on this occasion. This festival signifies a bother’s vow to protect his sister from any harm whereas the sister prays for the welfare of her brother.
