Bhai Phota is a festival celebrated in
West Bengal. This festival celebrates the relationship between a brother and sister. It is held either on the second or third day of the Hindu month of Kartik (October-November).
On the day of Bhai Phota, both the brother and sister don new clothes. The sister applies a mark of sandalwood paste on the forehead of the brother. This mark is called ‘phota’. Some paddy grass called ‘dub’ or ‘dubya’ are placed on the brother’s head and a verse containing the prayers for his long life is uttered. A sweet is offered to him. Following this ritual, gifts are exchanged and a special meal is enjoyed. Conch shells are blown to produce a resounding sound to celebrate the event.
