KATHMANDU: The main day of Tihar, also known as Yama Panchak, is being celebrated across Nepal today as Bhai Tika.

On this day, sisters apply multicolored (panchrangi or saptrangi) tika on the foreheads of their brothers with deep faith, devotion, and sincerity, praying for their long life, good health, and prosperity.

Bhai Tika, observed every year on the second day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Dwitiya) of the month of October, marks the sixth and most important day of Tihar—the second biggest festival of Nepalis after Dashain.

On this day, brothers receive tika from their sisters as a symbol of love and protection. The day is also known as Yama Dwitiya.

Although Tihar is usually a five-day festival, this year the Nepal Panchanga Nirnayak Bikas Samiti (Calendar Determination Committee) stated that due to the extension of the lunar date (tithi bridhi), Bhai Tika falls on the sixth day.

After applying tika to their brothers, sisters also receive tika in return from them. According to religious belief, worshipping brothers on this day brings everlasting good fortune and prosperity for the sisters, said Prof. Dr. Devmani Bhattarai, a member of the Calendar Determination Committee and a scholar of Hindu scriptures.

Although tika can be applied throughout the day, for those seeking the most auspicious time (sait), the Abhijit Muhurat at 11:39 AM has been deemed ideal, said committee chairperson Prof. Shambhu Prasad Dhakal.

This year, the committee has advised that sisters should face east while applying tika and brothers should face west.

This positioning ensures that the moon, currently in Libra, remains in front of the brothers.

According to scriptural rules, auspicious rituals should be performed with the moon either in front or to the right side of the performer.