Bhaitika being observed today; 11:37 am auspicious hour for Tika

KATHMANDU: Bhaitika, the most important day of Tihar, the five-day festival of lights, is being observed across the country today. On this day, girls and women offer tika to their brothers, wishing them happiness, long life, and prosperity.

According to Nepal Panchanga Nirnayak Bikash Samiti (NPNS), the auspicious hour for this year's Bhaitika offering is 11:37 am. However, the ritual can be performed until sunset, as stated by NPNS Chairperson, Prof Shree Krishna Adhikari.

During Bhaitika, brothers are seated in specially anointed places, encircled by trails of mustard oil. Sisters then present their brothers with tika and garlands of 'Dubo' and 'Makhamali' (globe amaranth flower). After adorning their brothers with colourful tika, sisters offer a treat comprising various sweets, walnuts, spices, and 'Sel', (a special delicacy made of rice flour mixed with milk and fruits, cooked in ghee in the shape of a ring).

In return, brothers offer tika to their sisters, wishing them happiness and good fortune, and giving them presents.

The occasion commemorates a legendary event where a sister received a boon from 'Yama', the deity of death, ensuring her brother would not die until the mustard oil had dried and the garland of 'Dubo' and 'Makhamali' had faded.

The Bhaitika tradition is so deeply rooted in Nepali society that even those without biological siblings receive tika from individuals they consider brothers and sisters.