Muslims receive Bhai Tika from Hindu sisters

By Siraj Khan

Nepalgunj, Oct. 26: In a heart-warming display of religious harmony and social unity, Muslim youths in Nepalgunj continued to celebrate Tihar this year by receiving Bhai Tika from local Hindu women. 

The city of Nepalgunj, which had exemplified religious coexistence in the past, once again became a symbol of interfaith respect and brotherhood.

Earlier during Dashain, several Muslim youths had also received tika and jamara from Hindu elders. Continuing the tradition of celebrating each other’s festivals, they marked Tihar,  the festival of lights and sibling affection, with equal enthusiasm.

Abdul Wahid Mansuri, a central member of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, said he visited his Tharu sisters’ home dressed in traditional Tharu attire to receive Bhai Tika. 

“Since childhood, I have received Tika from Hindu sisters to strengthen the bond of love and promote religious harmony,” he shared.

Mansuri added that festivals such as Dashain, Tihar, Raksha Bandhan, and Holi are celebrated jointly by Hindu and Muslim communities in Nepalgunj. 

“This city itself represents a beautiful blend of religious traditions,” he said. “Just as we Muslims take part in Hindu festivals, our Hindu friends also celebrate Eid, Bakar Eid, and other Muslim festivals with joy.”

Prominent social worker and Muslim community leader Parvez Ali Siddiqui also received Bhai Tika from his Hindu sisters. “Since my childhood, I have been joyfully celebrating both Hindu and Muslim festivals,” he said.

Maya Thapa, a local, shared that she has been applying Bhai Tika and tying rakhi to her Muslim brother Siddiqui for over two decades. 

Similarly, Rizwan Mirza, a Muslim lawyer from Nepalgunj, said he received Bhai Tika from a Hindu sister he deeply respects. Other Muslim youths, including Abdul Hussein Khan and Shikhar Iraqi, also celebrated Tihar in the same way.

Deepak Rajput, a noted advocate for religious harmony, said that in Nepalgunj, festivals such as Eid, Bakar Eid, Muharram, and Mohammad Day, as well as Dashain, Tihar, Holi, and Raksha Bandhan, are celebrated together by both communities.

Not just community leaders and youths, but even religious figures from both faiths exchange greetings and blessings, in person or over the phone, during every major festival.