KATHMANDU: The Nepal Calendar Determination Committee has announced 11:07 am on Wednesday, November 11, as the auspicious time for observing Bhaitika, the main ritual of the Tihar festival.
Committee Chairperson Prof. Dr. Purushottam Bhattarai said that the auspicious time for receiving Bhaitika had been fixed for 11:07 am. On this occasion, brothers and sisters traditionally exchange tika and blessings.
According to the committee, there are no strict astrological restrictions on receiving tika in the afternoon. However, state dignitaries have been advised to observe the ritual at the designated auspicious time.
This year’s Tihar festival, also known as Yamapanchak, will begin on Friday, November 6. Dhanwantari Jayanti will also be observed on the same day, while Kaag Tihar (Crow Festival) will fall on Saturday, November 7.
Kukur Tihar (Dog Festival) will be celebrated on the morning of Sunday, November 8. In the evening, devotees will observe Laxmi Puja by worshipping Goddess Laxmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, alongside the celebration of Deepawali.
The worship of cows, oxen and oneself will be observed on Tuesday, November 10. Mha Puja, the ritual of self-worship, is an important tradition of the Newar community.
The committee has also endorsed three calendars prepared by calendar makers Siddhi Laxmi Byanjakar, Kirti Kiran Joshi and Shashidhar Joshi. All three calendars have designated November 10 for Mha Puja.
The day will also mark the beginning of Nepal Sambat 1147, the New Year according to the Nepal Sambat calendar.
Kija Puja, also known as Bhai Puja, a traditional Newar ritual dedicated to the worship of brothers, will be observed on Wednesday, November 11, the same day as Bhaitika.
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