Kathmandu, October 14
The Nepal Panchanga Nirnayak Samitee has announced the most auspicious time for this year’s Bhai Tika.
According to Samitee Chairperson Prof Shambhu Prasad Dhakal, the most favorable time for Bhai Tika falls at 11:39 am on Thursday, October 23 (Kartik 6).
Committee member Prof Devmani Bhattarai said that although Tika can be applied at midday, for those who seek an auspicious moment, the time is set during the Sagittarius ascendant (Dhanu Lagna), Virgo Navamsha, Chara Bela, Abhijit Yoga, and Bijay Muhurta. “While state officials should follow the exact auspicious time, the general public can perform Tika during midday without any issue,” he added.
This year, Yama Panchak begins on Saturday, October 19 (Kartik 1), marking the start of Yama Deep Daan. The same day coincides with Dhan Trayodashi and Dhanteras, according to the approved calendar.
Sunday, October 20 (Kartik 2), will be celebrated as Kaag Tihar and Dhanvantari Jayanti. Monday, October 21 (Kartik 3), will see Kukur Tihar in the morning, followed by Lakshmi Puja and the lighting of lamps (Deepawali) in the evening.
The Committee stated that Chaturdashi tithi lasts until 2:52 pm on Monday, after which Aunsi begins, in line with the scriptures that prescribe Lakshmi Puja on the night of Aunsi. Ritual baths and donations related to Aunsi should be performed the following morning, Tuesday, October 22 (Kartik 4), until 4:29 pm.
Mha puja is to be held on Wednesday, October 23 (Kartik 5), as prescribed in ancient texts like Krityawatika. Mha Puja is a traditional Newa ritual.
The Committee-approved calendars prepared by Newa astrologers Siddhilaxmi Byanjankar, Kirtikiran Joshi, and Shashidhar Joshi also list Mha Puja on Kartik 5.
The same day, according to the Nepal Sambat calendar, marks the New Year 1146. Prof Dhakal stated that, as per classical tradition, the new year begins on the sunrise of the first day of the bright fortnight (Pratipada).
Bhai Puja, also known as Kija Puja in the Newa language, will be celebrated on Thursday, October 24 (Kartik 6). According to the scriptures, the Tika should be applied during midday.
The term Bhratri Puja in classical texts refers to both elder and younger brothers, meaning that Tika should be offered according to seniority.
The Tihar festival, also called Yama Panchak, is celebrated from the 13th day of the waning moon (Kartik Krishna Trayodashi) to the second day of the waxing moon (Kartik Shukla Dwitiya). During this period, lamps are lit and offerings are made in the name of Yama, the god of death, with the belief that it frees one from the torments of the afterlife.
According to Vedic tradition, crows and dogs, believed to be messengers of Yama are also honored with special food offerings during this period.
