Bhai Tika (Tihar) in Nepal

Bhai Tika, also known as Bhai Tihar, is a pivotal day during the five-day-long Hindu festival of Tihar or Deepawali in Nepal, akin to Diwali celebrated in India. This festival generally falls in late October or early November.

History and Traditions:

The origins of Bhai Tika are rooted in Hindu mythology. One of the legends tells of a sister whose prayers for her brother's long life led to Yama, the god of death, granting a boon that every brother who received a tilaka from his sister on this day would not die on that year.

On this day, sisters pray for their brothers' long life and prosperity by performing a tika ceremony. The tika is a mixture of rice, yogurt, and vermilion which is applied to the brother's forehead as a mark of protection.

Rituals:

• Sisters prepare sacred offerings and draw intricate mandalas to welcome their brothers.
• The brothers sit at these mandalas while sisters perform an aarti and put multi-colored tika on their foreheads.
• A special garland made of marigold flowers is often placed around the brothers' necks.
• Sisters offer sweets, fruits, dry nuts, and other special dishes they have prepared.
• In return, brothers give gifts or money as tokens of love and commitment to protect their sisters.

Modern Celebrations:

While rooted in tradition, Bhai Tika has adapted with time. Nowadays:

• Families come together even if siblings are geographically distant.
• Social media and technology play roles in connecting those who cannot be together physically.
• Many use this opportunity for family reunions and feasts.

Bhai Tika is not only about strengthening the bond between brothers and sisters but also signifies the deep-rooted cultural values that Nepalese hold towards family relationships.