KATHMANDU: The final day of the five-day-long Tihar festival, known as Bhai Tika, is being celebrated across the country today, Thursday.
On this occasion, sisters apply colorful tika on their brothers’ foreheads, wishing them happiness, prosperity, and long life. In return, brothers give gifts and extend good wishes to their sisters.
During the ceremony, brothers sit in a designated spot sanctified by their sisters, surrounded by a protective circle drawn with mustard oil, and adorned with garlands made from flowers such as marigold and makhamali (globe amaranth). Brothers also apply tika to their sisters in return, and sisters serve a special feast of sweets, walnuts, and sel roti.
The National Calendar Determination Committee has declared 11:39 AM as the most auspicious hour (sait) for offering tika this year. However, the committee noted that tika can be offered at any time throughout the day.
The cultural and mythological belief associated with Bhai Tika stems from a legend in which a sister, through devotion, receives a boon from Yama, the god of death, ensuring her brother’s safety until the mustard oil dries and the garland of dubo and makhamali wilts.
On this day, individuals without biological siblings traditionally receive tika from those they regard as brothers or sisters.
Meanwhile, as per tradition, the Balgopaleshwor Temple in Ranipokhari, Kathmandu, is open to the public today.
“While the Head of State should apply tika precisely at the auspicious time, the general public may observe the ritual throughout the afternoon,” said Prof. Devmani Bhattarai, a member of the committee.
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