Nepal is a country with diversity. There are many religions and cultures in the country. Out of these many, Hinduism is widely followed all over. Two of the most important festivals of Hindu people are Dashain and Tihar.
Hinduism is a religion with many gods and goddesses. It is a rich culture with many festivals celebrated that are related to gods. Tihar is a festival related to the worshipping of various different animals for their service to humans. But the last day of Tihar isn’t related to animals but siblings.
The last day of Tihar is also known as Bhai Tika. It is celebrated in the Nepali month of Kartik. Bhai meaning brother and Tika meaning marking a tikka on the forehead. It is an auspicious festival that strengthens the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters put Saptarangi (seven colored) tika on the forehead of their brothers. This activity is also considered as a token of gratitude and thanks from the sisters.
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There are various stories that describe the tradition of Bhai Tika. Some people also say that Lord Krishna visited his sister Subhadra after slaying the demon named Narakasura. His sister welcomed him with sweets and flowers and also put a tika on his forehead. This was how Bhai Tika originated.
The most widely believed story behind the tradition is about Yamraj, the God of death. Yamraj one day visited his sister Yamuna who applied tika on the forehead of her brother. Both siblings enjoyed eating food, sweets and sharing their moments. Yamraj also gifted his sister in return. Yamraj announced on that day that any brother who receives tika from their sister would never die. People believe that it is how the tradition of Bhai Tika originated.
The tika symbolizes the will for her brothers to have a prosperous and lengthy life. Some tika is also applied on the ears and the adam’s apple. Along with the Tika, the sisters offer garlands of Marigold and Chrysanthemum. Chrysanthemum is considered a flower that doesn’t decay and hence offered by the sisters to their brothers for a “long life”.
The National Panchanga Committee of Nepal gives the perfect time frame for the tika ceremony. When the time frame arrives, sisters begin the ceremony. Brothers are seated down at a place and sisters circle around them leaving drops of water from a bronze vase. All brothers in the circle of water are believed to be protected from harm and memories. The sister then oils the head of their brothers and the tika process start.
After Tika, brothers and sisters greet each other and exchange gifts. Sisters bring the food to the brothers. Any other people observing the ceremony can also now take part in the feast. A joyous meal and exchanging of moments among the siblings take place. It is a great day for both brothers and sisters as they unite and bond together.
This tradition is also practiced among cousins. Sisters perform the tradition to remind the God of Death, Yamraj to not come for their brothers. People also gather on the day of Bhai Tika in the temple at Ranipokhari wishing for the protection of any ill harm or enemies.
Bhai tika is a special day. It is a joyous and innocent tradition and such traditions should not be harmed by any social evils. Drinking, gambling, causing unrest in society all are bad examples of how Bhai Tika is to be celebrated. Gifts should not be necessarily expensive as it is just a formality. Real love between brothers and sisters cannot be determined by a materialistic gift. We should enjoy it however we can.