Kathmandu: The Nepal Calendar Determination Committee has declared 11:39 am on Thursday, October 23, as the auspicious hour for the Tihar ‘tika’ ritual this year. The Tihar festival, also known as Yama Panchak, is a time-honored festival where brothers and sisters exchange ‘tika’ as part of the celebration.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Professor Shambhu Prasad Dhakal, Chair of the Committee, emphasized that the auspicious hour for Bhaitika has been set for 11:39 am. This marks an important event for siblings to perform the ritualistic exchange of ‘tika’. Professor Devmani Paudel, a committee member, mentioned that while there are no strict astrological restrictions for afternoon rituals, it is advisable for state dignitaries to partake in the ceremony at the designated auspicious time.
The festival commences on Saturday, October 18, with Kag Tihar (Crow Festival) and Dhanwantari Day on October 19. The celebration continues with Kukur Tihar (Dog Festival) in the morning of October 20, followed by Laxmi Puja and Deepawali in the evening.
On October 22, the worship of cows, oxen, and the self will take place, with the self-worship known as Mha Puja being particularly significant for the Newar community. This day also marks the beginning of Nepal Sambat 1146, the New Year according to the Nepal Sambat calendar.
The culmination of the festival includes Kija Puja, also known as Bhai Puja, which will be observed on October 23, aligning with the Tihar ‘tika’ ritual. The Committee’s calendar has been verified by Siddhi Laxmi Byanjakar, Kirti Kiran Joshi, and Shashidhar Joshi, confirming the dates for Mha Puja and the New Year celebration.