Kathmandu, 23 Oct: President Ramchandra Paudel received this year’s Tihar tika from his sisters Sharda Pandit and Chanda Ojha at an auspicious time.
According to the President’s Private Secretariat, President Paudel received the tika from his sisters Sharda and Chanda at the President’s Office, Sheetal Niwas, at 11:39 a.m.—the auspicious hour determined for the occasion.
The Nepal Panchang Determination Committee had set 11:39 a.m. as the most auspicious time for Bhai Tika this year. However, the committee also stated that the tika can be offered throughout the day. On the final day of Yam Panchak, sisters apply tika to their brothers and brothers, in turn, apply tika to their sisters as a symbol of love, respect, and good wishes.
Bhai Tika at Balgopaleshwar Temple
A large crowd gathered at the Balgopaleshwar Temple in Rani Pokhari, Kathmandu, to celebrate Bhai Tika. On the final day of Yam Panchak—the main day of the Tihar festival—the temple is opened for tika rituals for those who do not have brothers or sisters.
Even before the auspicious time of 11:39 a.m., people had already started arriving at the Balgopaleshwar Temple early in the morning to receive Bhai Tika. Those without brothers or sisters visit the temple on this day to offer prayers, seek blessings, and apply tika.
Tihar Celebration of Nepalis Living Abroad
Thousands of Nepalis living abroad become deeply emotional during Tihar, reminiscing about their childhood, family, and loved ones. For them, the joy of Tihar does not come as easily.
Nepalis residing in countries such as Japan, Korea, Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom share glimpses of Tihar each year through social media, expressing their love and longing for home. The melodies of Deusi–Bhailo, the beauty of marigold and globe amaranth garlands, the fun moments with brothers and sisters, and the sacred tika ceremony remain only in their imagination while abroad. When Tihar arrives, their hearts fill with happiness—but also with a touch of sadness—because their families are far away, and many cannot take time off from work. As a result, they say the festive atmosphere is never quite the same as in Nepal.
When Tihar arrives in Nepal, the entire country comes alive in celebration. Homes and courtyards are decorated, streets sparkle with colorful lights—but for Nepalis living overseas, that time feels a little different.
