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Bhaiphota, also known as Bhai Dooj or Bhai Phonta, is one of the most heartfelt Bengali festivals that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. It comes right after Kali Puja and Diwali, marking the end of the festive season with love, laughter, and family togetherness.
Why celebrate Bhai Dooj:
After Killing Narakasura, Lord Krishna visited his sister Subhadra who gave him a warm welcome with sweets and flowers, also applied tika on Krishna's forehead for his long life according to Hindu religion. So some believe this is the origin of this Festival.
In 2025, Bhaiphota will be celebrated with great enthusiasm across Bengal and other parts of India.
When is Bhaiphota 2025?
In 2025, Bhaiphota (or Bhai Phonta) will be celebrated on Thursday, October 23, 2025.
According to the Bengali calendar, it falls on the Dwitiya Tithi of Shukla Paksha in Kartik month, just two days after Kali Puja or Diwali.
Tithi timings:
- Dwitiya Tithi Begins: 🕗 8:16 PM on October 22, 2025
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Dwitiya Tithi Ends: 🕙 10:46 PM on October 23, 2025
So, the main Bhaiphota rituals will be performed on October 23, 2025, during the daytime.
Significance of Bhaiphota
Bhaiphota symbolizes the bond of love and protection between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters pray for their brothers’ long life, good health, and happiness, while brothers promise to protect their sisters forever.
It’s believed that the “phota” (tilak or tika) applied by a sister protects her brother from all evils and misfortune.
This festival is very similar to Bhai Dooj celebrated in other parts of India, but the Bengali version — Bhaiphota — has its own charm and rituals.
How Bhaiphota is Celebrated in Bengal
Bengali households start preparing for Bhaiphota early in the morning. The day is filled with excitement, rituals, and delicious food.
Here’s how the celebration usually goes:
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Early Morning Bath:
Brothers and sisters take a purifying bath early in the morning and wear new or clean clothes. -
Rituals Begin:
Sisters perform the phota ceremony by applying a sandalwood paste (chandan) or ghee-mixed phota on their brother’s forehead. Sometimes, the phota is made using kaajal (soot) from a diya. -
Mantra and Blessings:
While applying the phota (tilak) on her brother’s forehead, the sister chants this age-old Bengali mantra:
“ভায়ের কপালে দিলাম ফোঁটা, যমের দুয়ারে পড়লো কাঁটা,
যমুনা দেয় যমকে ফোঁটা, আমি দি আমার ভাইকে ফোঁটা।”Transliteration:
“Bhayer kopale dilam phonta, jomer duare porlo kanta,
yamuna dey jom ke phonta, ami di amar bhai ke phonta.”Meaning:
“This is not just a mark on your brother’s forehead — it’s a sacred blessing that protects him from death and misfortune, just as Goddess Yamuna blessed her brother Yama with long life.” -
Exchange of Gifts and Treats:
After the rituals, siblings exchange gifts, sweets, and sometimes handmade items.
Sweets like rosogolla, sandesh, narkel naru, and payesh are common on this day. -
Family Feast:
The day ends with a hearty family lunch or dinner — often featuring traditional Bengali dishes like luchi, alur dom, pulao, chholar dal, and mishti.
Where is Bhaiphota Celebrated?
Bhaiphota is celebrated mainly in West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, and by the Bengali community around the world.
In other states, the same festival is known as:
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Bhai Dooj (North India)
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Bhai Beej (Maharashtra, Gujarat)
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Bhau Bij (Goa, Karnataka)
Though names differ, the emotion behind the festival remains the same — the love between siblings.
Can You Give Phota During Periods?
This is one of the most commonly asked questions every year.
Traditionally, women were advised not to perform religious rituals during menstruation, including giving phota. However, these beliefs come from old cultural customs, not spiritual laws.
In today’s time, it depends on personal belief and comfort.
If you’re comfortable and wish to give phota to your brother, there’s absolutely no harm — love, care, and emotion matter more than rituals.
Many families today ignore these taboos and celebrate Bhaiphota together with equality and warmth.
Bhaiphota Gift Ideas
If you’re wondering what to give your brother or sister on Bhaiphota 2025, here are a few ideas:
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For Brothers: Perfume, watch, wallet, sweets, handmade cards
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For Sisters: watch ,Jewelry, cosmetics, chocolates like Dark fantasy, Cadbury mini treats bars , dress materials, personalized gifts
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Or simply — a heartfelt note saying how much they mean to you
Bhaiphota 2025 Wishes & Quotes
Here are some sweet wishes you can share:
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“Happy Bhaiphota 2025! May our bond grow stronger with each passing year.”
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“Wishing my dear brother a life full of happiness, good health, and endless success.”
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“To my sister, thank you for your unconditional love. You’re my best friend forever.”
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“The phota on your forehead is not just a mark — it’s my blessing and my prayer for your well-being.”
Bhaiphota 2025 is more than a festival — it’s a celebration of emotions, togetherness, and love that ties siblings for life.
Whether you follow every ritual or keep it simple, the spirit of the day remains the same — a sister’s prayer for her brother’s happiness and a brother’s promise to protect his sister forever.
So this October 23, 2025, celebrate Bhaiphota with love, laughter, sweets, and lots of memories.
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