KATHMANDU: On Ashwin Shukla Dwadashi (Twelfth day of the bright lunar fortnight in October), the practice of receiving tika and blessings from elders as the prasad of Goddess Nawadurga continues across the country.

After nine days of worship and the immersion of the goddess, the tradition of applying tika and receiving blessings begins on Bijaya Dashami and continues until Kojagrat Purnima (Full moon day).

In western Nepal, however, the custom is slightly different—families apply tika only on Bijaya Dashami itself.

The continuation of this tradition marks respect for elders and the celebration of family unity during the Dashain festival.