Bhai Tika Celebrations Bring Brothers and Sisters Together Across Nepal
Nepal is celebrating Bhai Tika today, bringing the five-day festival of Tihar to a close with traditional rituals and prayers dedicated to the bond between brothers and sisters. The occasion holds special significance as sisters apply colourful five or seven-coloured tika on their brothers’ foreheads and pray for their long life, good health and prosperity. The festival is observed across the country, with families coming together to celebrate the relationship through religious customs and traditional practices. The different colours used in the tika carry symbolic importance, representing good fortune, happiness and prosperity. Bhai Tika is considered the concluding celebration of Tihar, one of Nepal’s major festive occasions.
In Kathmandu, the historic Balgopaleshwor Temple at Rani Pokhari opened its doors to devotees as part of the annual celebrations. Despite rainfall, people gathered at the temple to offer prayers, receive tika and seek blessings. The temple has a unique tradition of opening to the public only once a year, specifically on the occasion of Bhai Tika. It also provides an opportunity for people who do not have brothers or sisters to participate in the celebrations and receive tika from the priests. Devotees continued visiting the temple despite the weather, keeping the festive spirit alive. With prayers, rituals and the exchange of blessings, Bhai Tika brings Nepal’s five-day Tihar celebrations to a meaningful conclusion.
