Nepal is celebrating Bhai Tika today, marking the concluding day of its five-day festival of Tihar. The occasion celebrates the special bond between brothers and sisters and is observed with traditional rituals and prayers. On this occasion, sisters apply colourful five or seven-coloured tika on their brothers’ foreheads and pray for their long life, good health and prosperity.
In Kathmandu, the historic Balgopaleshwor Temple at Rani Pokhari opened its doors to devotees on the occasion. Despite rainfall, devotees visited the temple to offer prayers and receive tika and blessings. The temple opens to the public only once a year, on Bhai Tika. People who do not have brothers or sisters come here to observe the festival and receive tika from the priests.
The five or seven colours of the tika symbolise good fortune, happiness and prosperity. With Bhai Tika, the five-day festival of Tihar comes to an end across Nepal.
Arvind Jain, IIS (PBSC, All India Radio & Doordarshan, Kathmandu)
