KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 2

Bhai Tika, the most significant day of Tihar, Nepal's five-day festival of lights is being observed today.

Across 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.