Kathmandu: President Ramchandra Paudel will not partake in the customary offering of the Dashain tika to the general public during this year’s Bada Dashain festival, a significant event for the Nepali people.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the President’s Office announced the decision, citing the current challenging circumstances in the country as the reason for not hosting the traditional ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, Sheetal Niwas. This annual tradition, where the President offers tika to the public, will not occur this year, marking a departure from past celebrations.
The Dashain festival, a 10-day-long observance culminating in the ritual of Abhishekh or the sprinkling of holy water, concludes with the offering of tika. This event is typically held on the 10th day, known as Bijaya Dashami. Tika and jamara, which are part of the ceremony, are believed to carry the blessings of the goddess Nawa Durga and symbolize prosperity.