Bhaiphonta: The eternal bond of love, blessings and tradition

Today is Shubh Bhaiphonta—a unique festival of eternal brother-sister relationship, love and blessings. On this day, sisters wish their brother long life, good health and prosperity by pouring drops on his forehead.

According to tradition, the sister first pours drops on her brother's forehead, puts rice and durba grass on his head. The house becomes filled with the sound of conch shells and ulu. Then the sister blesses or bows to her brother—the elder one blesses; the younger one bows. Later, the sister puts sweets in the brother's mouth and gives a gift as a sign of love. The brother also gives gifts to his sister according to his ability.

According to religious beliefs, it is said that on the second day of Kartik Shukla, Yamuna received blessings by paying respect to her brother Yama. Since then, this day is known as 'Yam Ditiyya'. According to mythology, one who bathes in the Yamuna and worships Lord Yamuna and Goddess Yamuna on this day does not die prematurely and the troubles of life are removed.

Yamuna is considered to be the daughter of the sun and the form of a goddess, who removes all sorrows and poverty. Therefore, the worship of Yamuna and Lord Yamuna on this day is of special significance.

However, apart from religious rituals, Bhaiphonta is today a cultural festival, where the warmth of love, care and family ties spreads in every home.
The day is filled with the laughter of brothers and sisters, the scent of sweets and the touch of blessings.