The five-day Tihar festival concluded on Sunday with the celebration of Bhaitika, the most significant day when sisters offer tika to their brothers, wishing them happiness, long life, and prosperity.
On this day, sisters place tika—a mark made with seven different colors—on their brothers' foreheads, praying for their longevity and success. According to tradition, younger brothers are given priority during the tika ritual, which is how the day earned its name "Bhaitika." This year, the auspicious hour for applying tika was set at 11:37 a.m., as announced by the Nepal Calendar Determination Committee, though the ritual could be performed until sunset.
Before the tika ritual, brothers and sisters first worship the eight immortal beings—Markandeya, Bali, Parshuram, Vyas, Hanuman, Bivishan, Kripacharya, and Ashwathama—as per the tradition. The god of death, Yamaraj, and his sister, Yamuna, are also honored, symbolizing the bond between brothers and sisters. According to legend, the tradition began when Yamuna placed tika on Yamaraj’s forehead, a gesture commemorated by siblings on Bhaitika to this day.
During the ceremony, brothers sit in a specially decorated area bordered by a line of mustard oil, believed to offer protection. Sisters place colorful tika on their foreheads, adorn them with garlands of Globe Amaranth and Marigold flowers, which hold special significance for this festival. After the tika, sisters serve their brothers a variety of treats, including sweets, walnuts, spices, and sel, a traditional deep-fried delicacy.
Brothers reciprocate by applying tika to their sisters, offering gifts, and wishing them happiness and good fortune. Even those without siblings participate by celebrating with close relatives, as tradition holds that foreheads should not remain blank on this day. Many visit the Balgopaleshwor Mahadev Temple at Ranipokhari, open only once a year on Bhaitika.
Throughout Tihar, even animals like crows, dogs, and oxen are worshipped. Another important day, Laxmipuja, was celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country, seeking blessings of wealth and prosperity. -- With inputs from RSS
