Kathmandu, October 2
Nepalis are celebrating Bijaya Dashami, the main day of the grand festival Dashain, today by receiving tika and jamara from elders and respected family members.
According to the Nepal Panchang Nirnayak Samitee, the most auspicious time for tika this year is at 11:53 am. The committee has advised that the person receiving tika should face east while the one applying it should face west. The tika ceremony begins with a Vedic ritual using the sacred vessel (ghada) established on Ghatasthapana.
On this day, people receive tika, jamara, and prasad from gurus, grandparents, parents, and elders with blessings for prosperity, longevity, and enhanced capabilities. Those unable to receive tika today may do so until Kojagrat Purnima, when jamara grown during Ghatasthapana is considered a symbol of prosperity.
The auspicious time for Durga Bisarjan (immersion of the goddess) was set for 9:23 am, while state officials are required to take tika precisely at 11:53 am, informed Dr Basudev Koirala of the committee. While common people may receive tika at any time as it is considered the blessing of Goddess Bhagwati, an auspicious hour is specifically fixed for the state leadership.
Another committee member, Devmani Bhattarai, explained that Durga Bisarjan must be performed before the tika ritual. However, those compelled to travel can complete the immersion early in the morning and then receive tika.
Dashain concludes on Kojagrat Purnima after the worship of Goddess Mahalaxmi. The festival is observed across Nepal and by Nepali communities abroad.
