Kathmandu:

November 3 is bhai tika, the day when sisters all over the nation put tika on their brothers and pray for their well being and long life. This is the day of new clothes, masala, gifts and money, family get-togethers and fun.

And what of those people who do not have a brother one might ask?

Well, the city has been blessed with Anjalidevi Maskey, 62, who is also known as Bhai tika didi. Why? She performs a mass bhai tika for all those who do not have sisters to do the

honours.

Any man, regardless of age, caste or creed, can receive tika from her on bhai tika at Kasthmandap, Basantapur. However, dakshina (gift) is strictly forbidden. “Bhai tika is all about exchanging greetings and good wishes that teaches you to be grateful,” she says.

To cover the financial aspects of the tika ceremony, Maskey has opened a fixed deposit account of Rs 400,000 on her own. Her family, particularly her son, a doctor who works in London, is very supportive of the cause she is involved in.

In the last eight years, she must be the only woman here have the largest number of brothers, spread from Mechi to Mahakali. It is difficult for her to recognise and remember all as she puts tika on more than 250 dais/bhais on the day. “Many recognise me and call me didi at different places and this gives me immense pleasure,” she says.

“Give the needy what they need, and can you see God smiling through them.”

So, for all those who wish they had a sister to put bhai tika on them, Anjali Didi is there to fulfil your wish.

Auspicious hour

KATHMANDU: The time between 12:15 to 1:00 pm on November 3, is the most suitable time for receiving and giving tika on the occasion of Bhaitika. However, there is no hindrance in receiving and giving bhaitika according to one’s convenience on that day, according to Chairman of the Nepal Rajakiya Panchanga Nirnayak Samiti, Dr Madhav Prasad Bhattarai. — RSS