The final day of Tihar: Bhai Tika

KATHMANDU, Oct 27: Bhai Tika is the final and arguably the most important day of tihar. It falls on Kartik Shukla Dwitiya Tithi and it is being celebrated on October 27th this year. It is a day where sisters and cousins pray to lord Yama for the longevity and good health of their brothers. They apply Tika and garlands made out of globe amaranth (Makhmali) to their brothers and also offer various sweets, fruits, junk food, chocolates, etc. The brothers in return offer gifts of money, clothes etc to the sisters.

Legend says that Yama, the God of Death visited Yamini to take the life of her brother. She made him wait till she worshiped him one last time and that day was bhai tika. She also made him wait till the Tika fell off and garland wilted away. This is why the Tika used during bhai Tika is special and doesn't fall easily. Similarly Globe Amaranth also doesn't wilt for a very long time.

Deusi Bhailo is also continued during Bhai Tika. The history of Deusi is when King Bali was stopped by performing a ritual that would turn him into a demon by Lord Bishnu by asking for his head to step on. Culturally, Deusi Bhailo is a way for brothers and sisters to get the money to buy gifts and sweets respectively.

For people who don't have brothers or sisters, or can't reach them, there is special puja happening in Balgopaleshwar and in Khanjaneshwar Mahadev temple. The newari community also observes Kija puja today in a similar way, with an addition of drawing mandalas (Mini rangolis) to worship.