Kolkata, Nov 11 (PTI) Bhaiphonta, the traditional Bengali festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters, was observed in households across West Bengal on Wednesday, with sisters praying for their brothers' long life, prosperity and well-being.
The festival, also known as Bhai Dooj or Bhratri Dwitiya, is traditionally observed on the second lunar day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the Hindu month of Kartik.
On the occasion, sisters apply a ceremonial mark, traditionally made using sandalwood paste, kajal or curd, on their brothers' foreheads and pray for their longevity and protection from evil.
The ritual is accompanied by prayers, the exchange of traditional sweets and elaborate meals prepared at home.
Several prominent personalities, including BJP leader Sajal Ghosh, Bengali film superstar Prosenjit Chatterjee, actor Rituparna Sengupta and singer Haimanti Shukla, took time out of their busy schedules to celebrate the festival.
"This is an occasion to reaffirm and renew the bond between a brother and sister. We wait for this day every year," Ghosh said.
In some regions, however, the rituals are observed on Pratipada, the first lunar day.
