KATHMANDU: The Nepal Calendar Determination Committee (NCDC), the authorized body of Nepal to decide dates and times for Hindu festivals, has determined 11:51 am (5 October) as the auspicious hour to receive Dashain tika this year.

The auspicious time for immersing statues of goddess Devi is at 10:34 am the same day, according to the Committee.

Although one can offer and receive Tika throughout the day, the auspicious hour for it is determined 11:51 am, said Prof Shree Krishna Adhikari, Chairperson of the Committee.

Tika is a mixture of rice grains, red vermillion and curd, which is put on the forehead as a blessing from goddess Durga on the 10th day of the Dashain festival.

Similarly, the auspicious time for Ghatasthapana, the first day of the Dashain festival, is 10:23 am (26 September).

Ghatasthapana is the auspicious occasion wherein sacred Jamara, newly germinated barley or maize shoots that are put behind the ears or on the head as an auspicious items, are grown.