Kolkata, Nov. 11 -- With a change of guard in the state, even Bhai Phonta has acquired a new flavour. Lotuses have found their way into boxes of sweets, carrying unmistakable political overtones, while mangrove trees have been accorded the place of brothers, complete with ceremonial phonta, in a tribute to their role as guardians of the Sundarbans. This year's celebrations across Bengal have brought together age-old rituals, contemporary messages and a touch of the unexpected.

With the BJP now at the helm, sweets bearing lotus motifs and references to Sanatani traditions have found a place in the festive marketplace. Sweetmakers, meanwhile, are giving traditional Bengali confectionery a modern twist with an array of fusion delicacies, marrying familiar flavours with chocolates, strawberries and other ingredients.

Chandannagar's famed 'jalbhara' sandesh has received a contemporary makeover, while sweet shops are showcasing creations inspired by popular cultural references, including Uttam Kumar's birth centenary. The spread also includes jhalmuri-inspired sweets recalling PM Modi's pre-poll jhalmuri stop, Vande Mataram Sandesh, khaja, goja, lobongo lotika, kheer puli, kaju lord and motichur laddoo. Prices range from around Rs 20 to Rs 100 apiece.

But the festive indulgence comes at a price. Rising costs of chhana, sugar and cooking gas have pushed up sweet prices, with shop owners reporting hikes of 6 to 10 per cent. Customers, meanwhile, say the pinch is being felt at the counter.

Meanwhile, in a distinctive environmental initiative, women in the Benuvan Ghat area of Gangasagar on Sagar Island celebrated Bhai Phonta by applying phonta to mangrove trees, treating them as brothers.

For communities in the Sundarbans, mangroves act as a natural protective barrier against cyclones, tidal surges and river erosion.

The women said the trees protect their lives and livelihoods just as brothers safeguard their sisters. Through the ritual, they sought to spread awareness about conserving mangrove forests and preventing their destruction.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.