Kathmandu: Hindus across Nepal celebrated Vijaya Dashami, the most significant day of the Dashain festival, by receiving tika and jamara from elders as blessings for prosperity, good health, and victory of good over evil.
The Panchang Determination Committee announced 11:53 a.m. as the auspicious hour for tika. However, experts clarified that the day itself is auspicious, and the ritual can be performed at any time.
Tika, prepared using offerings from the nine days of worship since Ghatasthapana, is accompanied by yellow jamara grown during the festival. Devotees first perform an abhishek (ritual sprinkling) with sacred water from the kalash, symbolizing peace and well-being.
Traditionally, the receiver of tika faces east while the giver faces west, in alignment with lunar positions believed to ensure good fortune. The day also commemorates the victory of Lord Ram over Ravana in the Treta Yuga, symbolizing the triumph of truth over falsehood and divine over demonic forces.
Elders bless younger family members with wishes for long life, strength, knowledge, and success, often reciting mantras during the ritual. Those unable to receive tika today may do so until Kojagrat Purnima, the concluding day of the Dashain festival.