Bhai Phota 2023: What Is Bhai Phota Celebrated In Bengal? Know All About It

According to the calendar, Bhai Phota is celebrated every year on the Dwitiya Tithi of the Shukla Paksha of the Kartik month.

What Is Bhai Phota Celebrated In Bengal? Know All About It

Bhai Phota 2023 Date: In the Bengali community, there are several festivals with their own uniqueness, and one of them is Bhai Phota, also known as Bhai Teeka or Bhai Dooj. According to the calendar, Bhai Phota is celebrated every year on the Dwitiya Tithi of the Shukla Paksha of the Kartik month.

Bhai Phota is a festival that signifies the unbreakable bond, love, and goodwill between brothers and sisters. Throughout Bengal, this festival is celebrated with enthusiasm and joy. However, the traditions and names of the festival may vary in different places. Let's find out when Bhai Phota is celebrated in Bengal this year and the significance of this day.

When is Bhai Phota 2023 (Bhai Phota Date 2023):

This year, Bhai Phota or Bhai Teeka is said to be celebrated on November 15, 2023. The Dwitiya Tithi of Kartik Shukla Paksha will begin on November 14, 2023, at 02:36 PM and will end on November 15 at 01:47 PM. Therefore, according to the sunrise timing, the festival will be observed on November 15.

How Bhai Phota is Celebrated in Bengal:

Bhai Phota, also known as Bhai Teeka, is celebrated on the day of Bhai Dooj. On this day, sisters apply a ceremonial mark (Tilak) on their brothers. This mark, known as Mangal Tilak, is applied with the wish for the long and healthy life of the brother. After this, brothers also present gifts to their sisters. Married sisters either come from their in-laws' place to apply Tilak or brothers visit their sisters. Both brothers and sisters observe a fast on this day and have a meal only after applying Tilak. Bhai Phota is one of the major festivals in West Bengal and is celebrated with grandeur.

The religious significance associated with the celebration of Bhai Phota is that on the Dwitiya Tithi of Kartik Shukla Paksha, Yama's sister, Yami, invited Yamaraj to her home and honored him with a feast. Hence, it is also known as Yama Dwitiya.

Celebration in Different Regions:

• West Bengal: Bhai Phota or Bhai Teeka is celebrated on the Dwitiya Tithi of Kartik Shukla Paksha.
• Maharashtra: In Maharashtra, the festival is known as 'Bhau Beej' because brothers are referred to as 'Bhau' in Marathi.
• Uttar Pradesh: Here, it is known as Bhai Dooj, and sisters apply Tilak to their brothers, followed by offering them sweets.
• Bihar: In Bihar, it is known as 'Godhan' or 'Gothan.' On this day, sisters scold their brothers, and after that, sisters apply Tilak, tie a sacred thread on their brothers' wrists, and offer sweets.