KATHMANDU: Today is the most important day of Tihar, the festival of lights, celebrated when sisters apply tika to their brothers.
Throughout the country, sisters perform the tika ceremony for their brothers, wishing them joy, health, and prosperity on this special occasion.
According to Prof. Shree Krishna Adhikari, Chairman of the National Calendar Determination Committee, the auspicious time for the tika ritual this year is set for 11:37 AM, but it may extend until sunset.
On this day, brothers sit in a designated area surrounded by a circle of mustard oil. Sisters then adorn them with tika and garlands made from 'dubo' and 'makhamali'.
After decorating their brothers' foreheads with vibrant tika, sisters offer them an assortment of sweets, walnuts, spices, and 'Sel', a unique fried bread.
In exchange, brothers also apply tika to their sisters, bestowing blessings of happiness and good fortune, along with gifts.
This tradition stems from a legendary story in which a sister secured a promise from Yama, the god of death, ensuring her brother's safety until the mustard oil was fully consumed and the garlands of 'dubo' and 'makhamali' had withered.
The Bhaitika custom is so integral to Nepali culture that even those without siblings receive tika from individuals they consider as brothers and sisters.
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