Bhai Dooj or Bhai Phota, as it is called in West Bengal, is a festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. Traditionally, sisters apply a ‘phota’ or ‘tika’ on their brothers’ foreheads, praying for their well-being and long life, while brothers promise to protect their sisters.
However, in recent times, people have redefined the festival by embracing its spirit with loved ones beyond siblings. Many now celebrate Bhai Dooj with sisters while pet lovers celebrate it with their furry friends – marking them with a tikka, dressing them up, and treating them to special goodies.
For example, a woman named Aanchal Jain celebrated Bhai Dooj with her pet squirrel! In a video that was shared on Instagram, we see Aanchal performing aarti on the squirrel and putting a tika on its forehead.
Many of us have seen people celebrating Bhai Dooj with their pet dogs and cats, but never have we seen a squirrel participating in this festival with such enthusiasm!
Have a look at the video here:
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So precious is the bond between humans and animals!