The auspicious festival of Diwali ends with the observance of Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhai Phonta, Bhai Tika and Bhau Beej. The traditions differ in regions, much like the name, but the day signifies the beautiful bond between brothers and sisters. Bhatri Dwitiya, or more colloquially Bhai Phonta or Bhai Phota among the Bengalis, is observed on the second day of Shukla Paksha (the bright fortnight) of the Hindu month Kartik. Diwali 2024 begins on October 28 and ends on November 3 with the observance of Bhai Phonta. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country. So, when is Bhai Phonta 2024? Ahead of the festival, we bring you Bhai Phonta 2024 Bengali date, auspicious timings, Bhai Phota mantra and significance.

Bhai Phonta 2024 Date and Auspicious Timings

Bhai Phonta usually falls on the second day of Shukla Paksha (the bright fortnight) of the Hindu month Kartik. However, some also celebrate Bhai Phonta on Protipad (the first day of this fortnight). In fact, there is a popular saying in Bengali, “Protipode diye phonta, dwitiyate diya nita,” (tilak ceremony on Protipod and invitation to a feast on the next day). But the concept of celebrating Bhai Phonta on Protipod is entirely regional.

Bhai Phonta 2024 is on Sunday, November 3. The Dwitiya tithi begins at 08:21 PM on November 2 and ends at 10:05 PM on November 3. The Bhai Dooj Aparahna time starts at 01:30 PM and ends at 03:47 PM on November 3.

Bhai Phonta Mantra in Bengali

While giving Bhai Phonta, a mantra is recited by the sister, “Bhaier kopale dilam phonta, Jomer duare porlo kanta, Jamuna dyay jom ke phonta, Ami di amar bhai ke phonta.” The mantra is recited to seek blessings and pray for the immortality of the brother. The words and mantra may change a little from one region to another and among families.

Bhai Phonta Significance

The celebration of Bhai Phonta has immense significance. The day is not only celebrated among the Bengalis, but also by other communities in the country, with different names, such as, Bhai Dooj, Bhai Tika and Bhau Beej. The history of Bhai Dooj is rooted in various mythological legends, including Lord Krishna and his sister Subhadra and Yama and his sister, Yamuna (Yami). The mythological stories and legends highlight the significance of the festival and honour and strengthen the bond between brothers and sisters. On the festival, while sisters pray for their brothers’ wellbeing, the brothers vow to protect and care for their sisters.

The months of October and November are filled with festivals and important days in the annual calendar. The auspicious celebration of Bhai Phonta or Bhai Dooj marks the end of the five-day Festival of Lights, Diwali.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 25, 2024 05:28 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).