KATHMANDU, Oct 15: Nepal Calendar Determination Committee has announced the auspicious time for receiving and offering Bhai Tika on the occasion of the Tihar festival this year.

Chairperson of the Committee, Prof Dr Ram Chandra Gautam told Rastriya Samachar Samiti that 11:51 am is the most auspicious time for the same.

The Tihar festival, also known as Yamapanchak, will be celebrated from October 17 to October 21 this year.

The Kaag (crow) Tihar falls on October 17, Kukur (dog) Tihar on October 18, Laxmi Puja on October 19, Govardhan Puja, Gai Puja and Mha Puja on October 20 and Bhai Tika on October 21.

Kathmandu: The auspicious hour for the bhai tika is at 11:27 am, according to the Nepal Calendar Determination Committee.

However, the hours ahead and after it thorough out Tuesday are also equally auspicious, the Committee has said.
The fifth and last day of Tihar is Bhai Tika, when where sisters put tika on the foreheads of brothers, to ensure long life, and thank them for the protection they give.When the sisters give the tika, the brothers give gifts or money in return.

The puja follows a traditional ritual in which sisters circle brothers three times dripping oil on the floor from a copper pitcher. Afterwards, sisters put oil in brother’s ears and hair, then give tika. Breaking of walnuts by sisters before giving tika to brothers is a common practice.