INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 2Bhai Tika, the most significant day of Tihar, Nepal's five-day festival of lights is being observed today.Gai Pooja,
Govardhan Puja and Mha Puja being observed todayLaxmi Puja, Kukur Tihar being observed todayAcross the country, sisters place colorful tika
on their brothers' foreheads, wishing them long life, happiness, and prosperity
In return, brothers offer tika to their sisters, along with gifts, symbolizing mutual affection and blessings.This year, the auspicious time
for Bhaitika tika was at 11:37 a.m., though tika can be offered until sunset, according to Prof
Shree Krishna Adhikari, Chairperson of the National Calendar Determination Committee.On Bhaitika, brothers sit at specially prepared places
surrounded by mustard oil, as sisters adorn them with garlands of dubo (sacred grass) and makhamali (globe amaranth)
Sisters then offer a traditional feast with an array of sweets, spices, walnuts, and Sel Roti, a special bread fried in oil
The ritual commemorates a legendary tale in which a sister received a boon from Yama, the deity of death, ensuring her brother's safety
until the mustard oil dried up and the garland faded.This tradition holds deep significance in Nepali society, with even those without
siblings receiving tika from others whom they consider brothers or sisters
To honor this bond, the Balgopal Temple in Ranipokhari, Kathmandu, opens its doors to the public today for Bhai Tika, welcoming those
without siblings to receive blessings.The celebration of Bhai Tika concludes Tihar, a cherished festival celebrating family ties and the
bond between siblings in Nepal.
This article first appeared/also appeared in https://thehimalayantimes.com