Chandrapur, Rautahat: Today marked the auspicious end of the Tihar festival with the traditional Bhai Tika ceremony, which was celebrated with joy in Chandrapur-04, Rautahat. Ashish Lamichhane, along with his two brothers and two sisters, gathered to perform the Bhai Tika rituals, symbolizing the bond and blessings exchanged between brothers and sisters on this special day.

My mother, joined by her three brothers and their wives, also participated in the Bhai Tika ceremony, continuing the traditions of familial bonding and blessings. During the ceremony, the sisters applied tika an elaborate mix of five colors on their brothers’ foreheads, draped them with garlands, and adorned them with jamara, expressing their love and prayers for their brothers’ longevity and prosperity. Bhai Tika, observed on the final day of Tihar, holds deep cultural and historical significance in Nepal.

The festival is believed to be traced back to the legend of Yamraj, the god of death, and his sister, Yamuna. According to myth, Yamuna longed to see her brother, so she invited him to her home. She welcomed him with tika, garlands, and a grand meal, praying for his long life. Touched by his sister’s devotion, Yamraj granted her a boon that any brother receiving a similar tika would be protected from untimely death. Thus, the tradition of Bhai Tika began, symbolizing the bond of protection and love between siblings.

In modern times, Bhai Tika is celebrated with the same devotion and joy, strengthening familial ties as sisters wish their brothers well-being and brothers pledge to protect and support their sisters. Following the rituals, Ashish and his family gathered for a feast, enjoying traditional delicacies that added to the festive spirit of Tihar. This gathering brought together family members, making this year’s celebration especially meaningful.