People receive tika, jamara, and blessings from elders
KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 2
Vijaya Dashami, the most important day of the Dashain festival being marked across the country, by receiving tika and jamara from elders as symbols of blessings, prosperity, and victory of good over evil.
The Panchang Determination Committee announced that the auspicious hour for tika was 11:53 am, though experts clarified that the day itself is inherently auspicious. "Those in state leadership follow the designated saait, but for the general public, tika can be received at any time today," the committee said.
Tika is prepared using offerings from nine days of worship since Ghatasthapana. Alongside tika, the yellow jamara germinated during the festival is worn as a sign of well-being, with scientific studies even noting its medicinal value. Before tika, devotees perform an abhishek (ritual sprinkling) with sacred water from the kalash, symbolizing peace for the year ahead.
It is to be noted that on Vijaya Dashami, the person receiving tika traditionally faces east, while the giver faces west, aligning with lunar positions believed to bring good fortune.
Considered the day when Lord Ram defeated Ravana in the Treta Yuga, Vijayadashami is celebrated as a triumph of truth over falsehood and divine over demonic forces. Elders bless younger family members with wishes for long life, prosperity, strength, knowledge, and fame, often reciting traditional mantras.
Those unable to receive tika today may continue the practice until Kojagrat Purnima, the concluding day of the Dashain festival.
