Dhaka:Bhai Phota, a cherished festival among the Bengali Hindu community, was celebrated with religious fervor and enthusiasm across Bangladesh. The festival emphasizes the special bond of love, affection, and mutual respect between brothers and sisters.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the celebration involves sisters performing rituals by applying ceremonial marks using sandalwood paste, kajal, or other traditional ingredients on their brothers' foreheads, while praying for their long lives, good health, and prosperity. In return, brothers offer gifts and blessings to their sisters as a gesture of love and appreciation.
Family gatherings, traditional rituals, and the exchange of gifts marked the occasion, with families sharing festive meals to strengthen their relationships and preserve Bengali cultural traditions. Bhai Phota, observed on the second lunar day after Kali Puja, is widely regarded as an important festival celebrating sibling affection and family unity.
The festival is a reflection of Bangladesh's rich cultural heritage, highlighting a tradition of mutual respect, harmony, and peaceful coexistence among different communities.