Bada Dashain being observed, auspicious hour for tika at 11:53 am

Kathmandu, Oct 2: Vijaya Dashami (Bada Dashain), the most significant day of the (15-day-long) Dashain festival, is being celebrated nationwide by receiving tika and jamara from elders today.

Receiving tika and jamara from elders symbolize blessings, prosperity, and the triumph of good over evil. 

The Panchanga (calendar) Determination Committee has declared that the auspicious time for tika is at 11:53 am., however, the day itself is inherently auspicious for receiving tika and blessings. 

"Those in positions of state leadership adhere to the specified saait (timing), but for the general public, tika can be received at any time today," said committee chair Prof Shambhu Prasad Dhakal. 

Tika is prepared using offerings made during the nine days of worship that follow Ghatasthapana. In addition to tika, the yellow jamara, which germinates during the festival, is worn as a symbol of well-being. 

Prior to receiving tika, devotees engage in an abhishek (ritual sprinkling) with sacred water from the kalash, which symbolizes peace and prosperity.

 According to the committee, the individual receiving tika faces east, while the giver stands to the west, in accordance with lunar positions for good fortune.

For those who are unable to receive tika today, it may be continued until Kojagrat Purnima, which marks the final day of the Dashain festival, committee said. (RSS)