Nepal Calendar Determination Committee announces 11:39am as auspicious hour for Bhaitika

KATHMANDU: Nepal Calendar Determination Committee has announced 11:39 am on Thursday, October 23 as the auspicious hour for this year’s ritualistic Tihar tika, also known as Bhaitika.

Committee Chair Professor Shambhu Prasad Dhakal explains that it is a traditional practice for brothers and sisters to exchange tika at this time.  

Committee member Professor Devmani Paudel notes that there are no strict astrological restrictions on receiving tika in the afternoon, but recommends that state dignitaries observe the ritual at the designated hour.

This year’s Tihar festival, or Yama Panchak, commences on Saturday, October 18. Kag Tihar (Crow Festival) and Dhanwantari Day fall on Sunday, October 19. Kukur Tihar (Dog Festival) is celebrated on the morning of Monday, October 20, followed by Lakshmi Puja and Deepawali celebrations that evening.

The worship of cows, oxen and the self – known as Mha Puja in the Newar community – will be observed on Wednesday, October 22. Three calendars endorsed by the committee and published by Siddhi Laxmi Byanjakar, Kirti Kiran Joshi and Shashidhar Joshi confirm October 22 as Mha Puja and mark the beginning of Nepal Sambat 1146, the New Year in the Nepal Sambat calendar.

Kija Puja, or Bhai Puja, the Newar brother-worship custom, will be observed on Thursday, October 23.