KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 3
The five-day Tihar festival concluded on Sunday with the celebration of Bhaitika, its final and most significant day.
On Bhaitika, sisters offer tika to their brothers, wishing them happiness, long life, and prosperity. This year, the auspicious time for applying tika was 11:37 am, though it could be performed until sunset, according to Prof. Shree Krishna Adhikari, Chairperson of the National Calendar Determination Committee.
For the Bhaitika ritual, brothers sit in a specially prepared area encircled by a trail of mustard oil. Sisters then apply colorful tika on their brothers' foreheads and present garlands of 'dubo' and 'makhamali' flowers.
They also offer a festive assortment of treats, including sweets, walnuts, spices, and 'sel'-a special fried bread. In return, brothers apply tika on their sisters, wish them happiness and good fortune, and give them gifts.
Even those without siblings participate in the tradition, exchanging tika with others they regard as brothers or sisters. The Balgopaleshwor Temple in Ranipokhari, open only once a year, was accessible for Bhaitika celebrations on Sunday.
Throughout the Tihar festival, known for lights, colors, and flowers, animals such as crows, dogs, and oxen were also honored. Another important day, Laxmi Puja, was celebrated with enthusiasm across the country.
(With inputs from Rastriya Samachar Samiti)
