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Bhai Phota, mainly celebrated by the Bengalis, is an occasion quite similar to Bhaiya dooj and Raksha Bandhan. It is held after Durga Puja And Kali Pujas, i.e., somewhere around Diwali. The whole festive atmosphere begins with Mahalaya, the first day of Durga Puja and ends with Bhai Phota – It goes on for a whole month.The Bengali families beam with joy as they look forward to celebrate this day. In a traditional Bengali household, all the family members get together, dressed in the finest clothes. Men generally dress in kurta pyajamas or dhoti kurta while women wear sarees. All the brothers sit on 'ason' [ small carpet for sitting on the floor] and wait for their sisters to put the Phota [drop / mark / Tilak].
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The sisters apply the Phota with their little finger or ring finger and say the following famous lyrics:
“ Bhaier kapale dilam phonta,
Jamer Duare porlo kanta,
Jamuna Dae Jomke phonta,
Ami di amar bhaike phonta,
Bhai jeno hoy lohar vata.”
meaning –
“on my brother's forehead I put the “phota”,
Death's door are now closely crossed
Yamuna applies “phota” on Yama
While I give the “phota” to my brother
Let my brother be as tough as Iron”
The traditional Phota is made with “Chandan” (sandal), “Doi” [curd/yogurt], “Kajol” [Black soot]. When the Phota is being applied, the sister either puts a grain or two of rice on the Phota or gives it to the brother. The sister also blesses him with “durba” [grass bladed].
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