Kathmandu, 02 Oct: Today marks the most important day of Bada Dashain, also known as Durga Paksha, when devotees receive red tika—symbolizing auspicious blessings—and jamara—representing prosperity—from their elders as prasad of Goddess Durga. The tika and jamara offered in family homes and temples after nine days of worship are now placed upon the foreheads of younger relatives. According to the Nepal Panchang Determination Committee, the most auspicious time (sait) for receiving tika today is at 11:53 AM. It is considered appropriate for the person receiving tika to face east while the one applying it faces west.
On this day, the sacred water from the kalash (vessel) installed during Ghatasthapana is ritually used for abhishek (anointment) before applying the tika. Vijaya Dashami, observed on the tenth day of the bright fortnight of Ashwin, is celebrated with great joy by receiving tika and jamara as the blessings of Goddess Durga. Those unable to observe today may still receive tika until the Kojagrat Purnima, as long as the rituals of animal offerings and worship continue. The Committee has also announced that the auspicious time for visarjan (ritual conclusion of the goddess) is at 9:23 AM this morning.
Jamara, planted during Ghatasthapana, is regarded as a symbol of prosperity and is applied along with tika. Scientifically, jamara is also proven to have medicinal benefits and is believed to work as a natural remedy for various ailments. At a time when dengue infections are spreading across many districts in Nepal, Ayurvedic practitioners say that consuming jamara juice helps strengthen immunity.
A Symbol of Victory of Good over Evil
Vijaya Dashami is celebrated as the triumph of truth over falsehood and divine forces over demonic powers. According to Hindu belief, on this very day in the Treta Yuga, Lord Ram defeated Ravana—the embodiment of untruth and evil. Since then, Vijaya Dashami has been commemorated as a symbol of victory.
On this auspicious day, people receive tika, jamara, and prasad from gurus, priests, grandparents, parents, and elders, along with blessings for prosperity, success, longevity, and enhanced capabilities. From today until Kojagrat Purnima, families and communities gather as people travel to receive tika and blessings, creating large crowds on the roads. While some regions of Nepal observe tika and jamara only today according to their traditions, most continue until the Kojagrat Purnima, keeping the spirit of Dashain alive throughout the fortnight.
Prime Minister Karki will not receive Dashain tika
Prime Minister Sushila Karki will not receive tika this Dashain. Although Dashain is traditionally celebrated with great joy, the sorrowful loss of young lives and the injuries sustained during the recent Gen Z movement remain fresh, the Prime Minister’s Secretariat stated. For this reason, Prime Minister Karki has decided not to wear tika this year and will also not offer tika to others.
Adarsha Kumar Shrestha, the Prime Minister’s Chief Personal Secretary, confirmed that there will be no tika ceremony or program for Prime Minister Karki this year.
