Speaker 1:
Gurudev, Pranam (Salutations).
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Pranam, Pranam.
Speaker 1:
Today is Bhratri Dwitiya. All over the world, sisters have been praying for their brothers throughout the day. This tradition, this ritual, has been celebrated far and wide. Even if it is a bit late, I would like to hear a few words from you regarding this.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
You are right. Today is Bhratri Dwitiya. It falls on the second lunar day after the New Moon (Amavasya), specifically two days after Kali Puja. That is why it is called Bhratri Dwitiya (the second day of the brother).
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Actually, it is a form of worship for Yama (the God of Death). A "thorn" or obstacle is metaphorically placed at Yama's door; sisters place this obstacle to protect their brothers. There is a traditional rhyme: "Yama and Yamuna are brother and sister. Yamuna gives the mark (phonta) to Yama; I give the mark to my brother. Let there be a thorn at Yama's door."
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
They recite this and, at the end, offer an invitation for the brother to live for eighty years so they can continue this tradition. This is the mantra the girls recite.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
However, nowadays, we are seeing "Sister's Phonta" (Bon Phonta) occurring as well. Brothers are giving the sacred mark to their sisters. I have seen this with my own eyes—sisters sitting in a row and brothers giving them the phonta. I liked it very much. It has become reciprocal.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
We have always heard that sisters give the mark to brothers, but seeing brothers give it to sisters felt good. It is about placing a thorn at the door of death for the sister as well. It involves festivities and sharing good food. This is the essence: throwing a thorn at the door of death.
Speaker 1:
Gurudev, I have a question. You mentioned brothers giving the mark to sisters. From a general perspective, this strengthens the bond and promotes physical and mental well-being. However, is there any scriptural support for this, or is it a modern social evolution? It wasn't like this in the past.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
No, it wasn't there before. Never. We are seeing it now. I saw it in several places where sisters were seated and brothers were giving them the mark. It really touched me. Why should we only receive from our sisters and not give them anything in return? Let the sisters also receive the mark; let them receive sweets, food, and blessings from us. I fully support this reciprocity. Both are praying for an obstacle to be placed at Yama's door. The sentiment remains: "Yama and Yamuna are brother and sister, and so are we."
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The brother recites the same mantra, simply substituting the word "brother" with "sister." I haven't found a specific scriptural text for "Bon Phonta," but based on the essence of the mantra, it feels right. The sister prays for the brother to live for eighty years. Using a betel leaf, a nut, and a coin, she invites him to live a long life.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
This profound bond is unique to our Hindu culture; it isn't found elsewhere. No other country has this specific tradition of the brother-sister mark. It exists only in our Bharatvarsha (India), within the Sanatana Dharma.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I don't see any scriptural conflict here. The core is the prayer against death. When we conducted the Maha Mrityunjaya Yajna specifically for women, I had to hear many criticisms, but we did it anyway. Similarly, I fully support brothers giving marks to their sisters.
Speaker 1:
Regarding the "eighty years" mentioned—in my view, it's a wish for longevity. It's symbolic; it could be ninety or more.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Exactly. It is an invitation. The sister offers a betel leaf and nut as a formal invitation to the brother to return for another eighty years. This unbreakable bond is unique to our heritage.
Speaker 1:
Also, we see that socially, various organizations are now practicing this. It is no longer limited to blood relatives or family; it is becoming universal. We see Hindus and Muslims participating together.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
That is excellent. I don't see "boy" or "girl"; I see human beings. I support this social evolution. A girl's identity or "caste" merges with the family she joins. There is no room for Hindu-Muslim division there. Seeing this celebrated collectively is a very good thing. It should happen more often.
Speaker 1:
Gurudev, we will conclude our discussion here today. Friends, you heard Gurudev's support and his well-wishes for all brothers and sisters. As these rituals are celebrated more widely in our society, our social bonds, mutual reliance, and love for one another will only grow stronger. Gurudev, Pranam.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Pranam, son. Pranam.