The melody of Maalshree Dhun played softly in the background.
Perhaps they didn’t notice it. But as severely injured Dipendra Basnet of the “Gen Z Movement” received Bhai Tika on the rooftop of Annapurna Neuro Hospital in Maitighar, the tune seemed to play just for him.
The hospital had created a small artificial garden on its rooftop. By 11 am, most of it was bathed in bright sunlight, except for one corner where there was a bit of shade. There, 28-year-old Dipendra from Dailekh was seated, receiving Bhai Tika from his sister, Bhagawati Basnet.
On September 8, during the Gen Z Movement, Dipendra was shot in the head by police at the barricade in front of the southern gate of the Parliament building in Baneshwor. The image of him collapsing was heart-wrenching.
The photo quickly went viral on social media. Many, upon seeing his condition, even spread rumors of his death. But Dipendra, a resident of Bhagawatimai Rural Municipality-1 in Dailekh, was undergoing treatment at Annapurna Neuro Hospital.
After more than a month in the hospital, his health has been gradually improving. Most other injured patients admitted with him have already been discharged, he is now the only one left in the ward.
Yet another major surgery awaits him.
When we reached bed number 510 on the fifth floor, Dipendra was lying on his left side, scrolling through his phone. His mother sat quietly on a nearby bench. His young son, Asim Basnet, also watched something on a mobile phone, while his wife, Sangita Kumari Khadka, was helping him change his clothes.
It was Bhai Tika. His sister Bhagawati was on her way from Sanepa to perform the ritual. Around 10 am, Dipendra kept asking his wife when his sister would arrive.
“She’ll be here soon,” Sangita replied softly.
There were other patients on the same floor, so celebrating inside could have disturbed them. The family decided to move to the rooftop garden instead. By 11 am, Bhagawati had arrived.
She carried a zebra-patterned bag filled with everything needed for Bhai Tika. A bit reserved, perhaps due to the presence of media, she requested, “Please don’t record a video — it won’t look good.”
Her sister-in-law, Sangita, comforted her, saying, “It’s fine, Didi. Things are like this in hospitals.”
While talking, Bhagawati joined two mats together and started arranging the ritual items, pure oil, a plate of colored powders, incense, walnuts, garlands, fruits, and bhai masala.
Little Asim helped her with the preparations. Only four years old, he seemed to enjoy playing and teasing everyone around.
Meanwhile, Dipendra dressed in a violet shirt and loose brown pants was gently seated on the mat by his wife, who wore a red kurta. He cannot stand on his own; the left side of his body, both arm and leg, remains paralyzed.
With his legs stretched out, Dipendra leaned into his wife’s embrace. She held him steady calm yet attentive.
Once everything was ready, Bhagawati circled him three times, then did so again holding a small bowl of oil. Because of the artificial grass below, the oil couldn’t be poured, but she performed the gesture symbolically.
Then she sat before her brother, slightly unsure about the order of colors. “Which one first?” she asked her sister-in-law.
Following her advice, she began with white on his forehead, then yellow, violet, green, blue, and finally red. She placed a garland around his neck and gave her blessing, “No matter what happens, you must stay strong.”
She said nothing more. Perhaps her emotions wouldn’t allow it.
After receiving the tika, Dipendra, struggling to move, bowed to touch his sister’s feet. She, in turn, placed tika on his forehead as well.
They didn’t speak much. Dipendra isn’t very talkative, and that day, even less so. His body and heart both seemed heavy as he tried to sit upright. His wife continued to support him, but he couldn’t hold back his tears.
He didn’t look directly at his sister until the ritual ended. She didn’t cry, but her eyes reflected unspoken pain.
After a brief silence, Dipendra took some money from his right pocket and handed it to her. Then, Bhagawati placed tika on the foreheads of his wife and son too.
Ideally, they would have celebrated Bhai Tika at home. But his hospital stay isn’t over, and he cannot go outside. With Tihar already here, the family decided to celebrate right there at the hospital.
Dipendra’s elder brother, Rabin Basnet, is abroad, and their father returned to the village just four days ago. Their mother is now taking turns caring for him.
In previous years, they alternated between celebrating the festival in Kathmandu and their village. This year, it was at the hospital.
“Thank God we could still celebrate Bhai Tika,” Bhagawati said, expressing relief. “Next time, we’ll do it at home.”
As we took our leave, Dipendra remained leaning on his wife for support. His mother sat quietly beside them, while little Asim looked calmer now. Bhagawati had already begun taking a selfie.
By then, the Maalshree Dhun had faded into silence.
