Bhai phota celebrated across Bengal with festive fervour
The Statesman | 24 October 2025The occasion, which marks the culmination of the state’s post-Diwali festivities following Kali Puja, saw homes, temples and political offices resonating with festive warmth and prayers for the well-being of brothers. From early morning, women were seen preparing for the ritual, which involves sisters applying a sacred mark or phonta on their brothers’ foreheads while praying for their long life and prosperity. Markets across the state witnessed heavy rush as people queued outside fish, mutton and chicken stalls to prepare lavish meals for family gatherings.
Various political organisations, including the Trinamul Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), celebrated the occasion at their respective offices and local units both in city and district towns, even in rural areas. The BJP’s women’s wing organised a special Bhai Phonta ceremony at the party’s state headquarters in Kolkata, attended by state president Shamik Bhattacharya, MPs Jyotirmoy Singh Mahato and Jagannath Sarkar, and senior leaders Rahul Sinha, Mangal Pandey, and Amit Malviya. In Malda, English Bazar MLA Sreerupa Mitra Chowdhury performed the ritual for Khagen Murmu, the ailing MP from Malda North. Leaders of the ruling Trinamul Congress too took part in the festivities.
Kolkata mayor and state minister Firhad Hakim, along with MP Deb and several other leaders, received phonta from women party members. Former city mayor Sovan Chatterjee and Baisakhi Banerjee visited Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s residence on the occasion. Religious heads also reflected on the mythological significance of the festival. Mahamandaleswar Swami Paramatmananda Bhairav Maharaj of the Panchayeti Akhara Mahanirbani and chief Mahanta of the Brahmamoyee Kalibari explained that according to Hindu mythology, the origins of Bhai Phonta trace back to the divine siblings Yama, the god of death, and his sister Yamuna. “On the Dwitiya Tithi of Kartik Shukla Paksha, Yama accepted Yamuna’s invitation and visited her home. After accepting her worship and meal, Yama blessed that any brother who visits his sister on this day and accepts her prayers and offerings would be protected from untimely death. Since then, the day has been celebrated as Yam Dwitiya or Bhai Phonta,” said Bhairav Maharaj. He further added that another legend connects the festival with Lord Krishna’s visit to his sister Subhadra after slaying the demon Narakasura. “Subhadra welcomed Krishna with sweets, flowers, and affection, and applied a ceremonial mark on his forehead. Many believe this marks the origin of the ritual. In modern time every brother must protect their sister from the devil of the society,” the seer noted.
Meanwhile, members of the Special Task Force (STF) monitoring agricultural products’ prices in the retail and wholesale markets in city were deployed across major markets to monitor food prices during the festival times. “Under the instruction of the state chief secretary from Nabanna, STF teams visited wholesale and retail markets, including those in Ultadanga, Sealdah and Maniktala to check prices of essential commodities like vegetables, rice, flour, spices, cooking oil, poultry, eggs, mutton, fruits, paneer and bread,” said STF member Rabindranath Kole.
He added that prices are expected to stabilise once winter vegetables arrive in the market. Following a warning from CM Mamata Banerjee against hoarding and profiteering, all retail and wholesale markets across the state were brought under strict surveillance. The move aims to prevent artificial inflation of essential commodity prices amid rising national concerns over supply and affordability. As the day concluded, Bengal’s streets, markets, and homes echoed with laughter, affection, and festive camaraderie — a vivid reflection of the state’s enduring cultural spirit.
