Kathmandu : The Nepal Calendar Determination Committee has announced the auspicious hour for observing this year’s the ritualistic Tihar ‘tika’.
Committee Chair, Prof Dr Puruswottam Bhattarai, told RSS that the auspicious hour for Tihar Tika, also known as Bhaitika, has been set for 11:07 am on Wednesday, November 11. It is a traditional practice for brothers and sisters to exchange ‘tika’ on this occasion.
It is stated that there are no strict astrological restrictions preventing people from receiving Tika in the afternoon. However, it is recommended that state dignitaries observe the ritual at the auspicious time.
This year’s Tihar festival, also known as Yama Panchak, will commence on Friday, November 6. Dhanwantari Day will also be observed on the same day. The Kaag Tihar (Crow Festival) has fallen on Saturday, November 7.
On the morning of Sunday, November 8, Kukur Tihar (Dog Festival) will be celebrated. In the evening, Laxmi Puja is observed by worshipping the Hindu goddess of wealth, Laxmi along with the celebration of Deepawali festival.
The worship of cows, oxen, and the self will be observed on Tuesday, November 10. The ritual of self-worship, known as Mha Puja, is an important tradition of the Newar community.
Three calendars endorsed by the Committee have also been published by calendar makers Siddhi Laxmi Byanjakar, Kirti Kiran Joshi, and Shashidhar Joshi. All three confirm that November 10 is for the Mha Puja.
The Committee also states that November 10 also marks the beginning of Nepal Sambat 1147, the New Year according to the Nepal Sambat calendar.
Kija Puja, also known as Bhai Puja or the worship of brothers, the customary in the Newar community, will be observed on Wednesday, November 11.
