Kathmandu, Nov 15: Bhaitika, a cherished segment of the Tihar festival in Nepal, is steeped in rich mythology that weaves together the realms of gods and the sacred bonds between siblings. This celebration, centered around the relationship between Yama, the god of death, and his sister Yamuna, not only holds deep historical roots but also reflects the enduring significance of familial ties.

According to the age-old legend, during the month of Kartik, Yama visited his sister Yamuna. In a heartwarming gesture, Yamuna applied a tika on her brother’s forehead and performed various rituals for his well-being. This mythological narrative forms the core of Bhaitika, symbolizing the profound connection and mutual respect shared between brothers and sisters.

Bhaitika is a celebration of the sacred bond between siblings, emphasizing prayers for long life, health, and prosperity. The auspicious time for the ceremonial tika is precisely at 10:51 AM. During this ritual, sisters apply a vibrant seven or five-colored tika on their brothers, signifying various blessings. The exchange is reciprocal, with brothers also applying tika on their sisters.

The ceremony involves more than just the application of the ceremonial tika. Sisters use colors like red, white, yellow, green, and blue, each carrying its own significance. Velvet, known as makhmali, is also applied. Alongside the tika, the ritual includes the exchange of gifts, such as clothes and money (dakshina). Sisters receive gifts like clothes and money, while brothers are bestowed with symbolic cloth, dry fruits, and other offerings.

The seven or five-colored tika symbolizes blessings for well-being and prosperity. The ritual underlines the importance of family ties in Hindu tradition, fostering a sense of unity and love among siblings. Bhaitika is not merely a cultural practice; it is a reaffirmation of the enduring bonds that hold families together.

As the vibrant colors of the tika blend with the festivities of Tihar, Bhaitika stands as a testament to the cultural richness and familial warmth embedded in Nepalese traditions. This celebration goes beyond myth and ritual; it is a vibrant expression of love, respect, and the unbreakable ties that bind brothers and sisters together.