Bhai Tika today!

November 15, Kathmandu: The five-day Tihar festival culminates today with Bhai Tika, celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters.

Sisters bestow a colourful tika on their brothers, wishing them happiness, prosperity, and longevity, while brothers reciprocate with gifts and well-wishes.

The ceremony involves anointing a special place for the brothers, drawing a trail of mustard oil around it, and adorning them with garlands of marigold and globe amaranth (makhamali). Sisters also offer their brothers a feast of sweets, walnuts, and sel roti.

According to the National Calendar Determination Committee, the auspicious time for offering Tika this year is 10:51 am, although it can be offered throughout the day.

The tradition of Bhai Tika stems from a mythological belief that a sister received a boon from Yama, the god of death, ensuring her brother’s life until the mustard oil dries up and the garland wilts.

Those without siblings partake in the festivities by receiving Tika from others they regard as brothers or sisters. Additionally, the Balgopaleshwor Temple in Ranipokhari, Kathmandu, opens its doors today, a tradition observed annually on this day.