Bhai Phota 2025 | Bhai Fota Muhurat | Exact time of Bhai Phota

Bhai Phota, also spelt as Bhai Fota, is celebrated on Dvitiya day or the second day after Kali Puja or Diwali festival in Bengal. In 2025, Bhai Phota date is October 23.

Bengalis consider Bhai Phota as one of the prominent festivals. This festival represents the beautiful bond of love and affection between brothers and sisters. It is observed with lot of fervor and enthusiasm throughout Bengal.

Bhai Phota ritual begins at the moment when Amavasya ends. Protipod & Dwitiya are the next tithis to Amavasya.

In 2025, Bhai Phonta Dwitiya prevails throughout the day and night. Hence, Bhai Phota rituals can be observed anytime on 23 October 2025 , till 10 PM.

Bhai Phota is observed with other names in North India such as – Bhai Dooj, Bhayya Dhooj, Bhai Tika, Bhatru Dwitiya, Bhaubeej or Bhav Bij or Yama Dwitiya.

Significance

• Celebration of Sibling Bond: Bhai Phota is dedicated to honoring the relationship between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters pray for their brothers’ long life and prosperity while brothers promise to protect their sisters.
• Mythological Roots: The festival is linked to various legends, including one where Lord Krishna visited his sister Subhadra after defeating the demon Narakasura. Another tale involves Yama, the god of death, visiting his sister Yamuna, who welcomed him with love and hospitality, leading him to bless all brothers who receive a tilak from their sisters on this day with longevity and prosperity.

Rituals and Observances

1. Preparation:
   • Sisters prepare for the festival by fasting until they perform the rituals for their brothers. They create a special seating area using rice flour for their brothers.
2. Tilak Ceremony:
   • Sisters apply a tilak (a mixture of sandalwood paste, vermilion, and yogurt) on their brothers’ foreheads while chanting sacred mantras. This act is performed with great reverence and often includes offerings of sweets and gifts to the brothers
3. Blessings and Gifts:
   • After the tilak, brothers are showered with blessings from their sisters. In return, brothers typically give gifts or money to their sisters as a token of appreciation and love.
4. Family Gatherings:
   • The day is marked by family gatherings where traditional meals are prepared and enjoyed together. Festive foods include sweets like Misti Doi (sweet yogurt) and various Bengali dishes
5. Cultural Variations:
   • While Bhai Phota is celebrated with unique customs in West Bengal, similar festivals occur across India under different names such as Bhau Beej in Maharashtra and Bhai Dooj in Northern India. Each region has its own rituals but shares the common theme of celebrating sibling relationships