Bhaiphonta, the traditional Bengali festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters, was observed with enthusiasm across West Bengal on Wednesday, as families gathered to perform customary rituals and exchange festive greetings.
Sisters prayed for the long life, prosperity and well-being of their brothers, applying ceremonial marks on their foreheads and offering prayers for their protection from evil.
The festival, also known as Bhai Dooj or Bhratri Dwitiya, is traditionally celebrated on the second lunar day of the bright fortnight, or Shukla Paksha, of the Hindu month of Kartik.
During the ritual, sisters apply a ceremonial mark, commonly prepared using sandalwood paste, kajal or curd, on their brothers' foreheads while reciting traditional prayers seeking their longevity and protection.
The celebrations are accompanied by the exchange of sweets, gifts and elaborate meals prepared at home, bringing families together to reaffirm their affection and lifelong bonds.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari extended greetings to the people of the state on the occasion.
"On this auspicious day of Bhaiphonta, a unique celebration of the eternal love, affection and spiritual bond between brothers and sisters, I extend my heartfelt wishes and congratulations to all," Adhikari said in a post on X.
Several prominent personalities, including BJP leader Sajal Ghosh, Bengali film superstar Prosenjit Chatterjee, actor Rituparna Sengupta and singer Haimanti Shukla, also participated in the festivities, taking time out of their professional commitments to celebrate with family members.
Describing Bhaiphonta as an occasion to strengthen familial relationships, Ghosh said the festival held special significance for brothers and sisters.
"This is an occasion to reaffirm and renew the bond between a brother and sister. We wait for this day every year," he said.
While Bhaiphonta is generally observed on Dwitiya, the second lunar day, some communities perform the rituals on Pratipada, the first lunar day, in accordance with regional customs.
The festival remains an important part of Bengal's cultural traditions, symbolising affection, mutual responsibility and the enduring relationship between siblings.