Bhai Tika Today: Auspicious Time At 11:07 AM: Tika Can Be Applied Throughout The Day Today, on the fifth and final day of Yamapanchak—also known as Tihar—the festival of Bhai Tika is being celebrated, with brothers receiving “tika” from their sisters. Observed annually on the second day of the bright fortnight of the month of Kartik (Kartik Shukla Dwitiya), Bhai Tika is also referred to as ‘Yamadwitiya.’
On this day, it is customary for sisters to apply a “tika”—consisting of five or seven colours—to their brothers, while offering prayers for their long life, good health, and prosperity. Following this, the brothers also apply “tika” to their sisters and express their respect by presenting gifts or “dakshina” (monetary offerings) according to their means.
According to the Nepal Calendar Determination Development Committee, while Bhai Tika can be observed throughout the day today, the most auspicious time (sai) is at 11:07 AM for those who wish to follow a specific, ritually prescribed moment.
Committee Chairperson, Associate Professor Dr Purushottam Bhattarai, stated that there are no restrictions for the general public to perform the “tika” ceremony at any time today; however, according to traditional scriptural norms, those who hold state leadership positions are expected to perform the “tika” during the designated auspicious time.
On the day of Bhai Tika, rituals are performed to worship the “Ashta Chiranjivi” (the eight immortals: Markandeya, Ashwatthama, Bali, Vyasa, Hanuman, Vibhishana, Kripacharya, and Parashurama), as well as Yamaraj and Yamuna, alongside the worship of the “diyo” (oil lamp), “kalash” (sacred vessel), and Lord Ganesha. It is customary for sisters to encircle their brothers with a protective stream of oil, adorn them with garlands made of “makhamali” (globe amaranth), “sayapatri” (marigold), and “godavari” (chrysanthemum) flowers, and offer them items such as walnuts, chestnuts, various spices, and *selroti* (traditional ring-shaped rice bread).
Balgopaleshwar Temple open
For those who do not have siblings, the Balgopaleshwar Temple, located at Rani Pokhari in Kathmandu, will remain open throughout the day today. It is customary to visit this temple—which opens only once a year on the day of Bhai Tika—to offer prayers, pay respects, and receive a “tika”. According to the Kathmandu Metropolitan City, all necessary preparations for the devotees have been completed.
Meanwhile, the Newar community observes the day of Bhai Tika as ‘Kija Puja.’ Depending on family traditions, some perform Kija Puja today, while others observe it a day earlier. In Bhaktapur, following the guidance of the priests and astrologers of the Taleju Temple, the majority of the local Newar community completed Kija Puja yesterday.