Bhai Phonta, the traditional Indian festival centered on rituals where sisters pray for the well-being of their brothers, has different names in different states, such as Bhau Beej, Bhai Tika and Bhai Dooj. Bengali sisters worldwide celebrate Bhai Phonta to pray to the Almighty to ensure safe, secure and long lives of all their brothers. Bhasha O Chetona Samiti, a Kolkata-based NGO — to promote gender equality and harmony and give the traditional Bhai Phonta a much-needed social makeover — organised Bon Phonta in the slum areas of Manicktala, in Kolkata, where, in a reversal of roles, brothers prayed for the well-being of their sisters. Many dignitaries were present on the occasion.
