Tihar Dates and Auspicious Time for Bhai Tika Announced

The Nepal Panchang Nirnayak Development Committee has officially announced the auspicious time for Bhai Tika this year. According to Committee Chairperson Prof. Shambhu Prasad Dhakal, the most favorable time to apply Bhai Tika will be at 11:39 a.m. on Thursday, October 23 (Kartik 6).

Committee member Prof. Devmani Bhattarai explained that the timing is considered highly auspicious because it coincides with Dhanu Lagna, Kanya Navamansh, Char Bela, Abhijit Yoga, and Vijay Muhurat. While sisters can apply tika throughout the day, the specified time is believed to be the most spiritually beneficial.

The five-day Yama Panchak festival, popularly known as Tihar, will begin on Saturday, October 18 (Kartik 1) with Yamadeep Daan, Dhanteras, and Dhan Trayodashi.
On Sunday (Kartik 2), devotees will celebrate Kag Tihar and Dhanwantari Jayanti, followed by Kukur Tihar, Narak Chaturdashi, and Laxmi Puja on Monday (Kartik 3). That evening, homes and streets across the country will glow with rows of lamps during Deepawali.

As per the committee, Aunsi Tithi will begin after 2:52 p.m. on Kartik 3, so rituals like holy bathing and charity are best performed the following morning, Tuesday (Kartik 4).

Wednesday (Kartik 5) will mark Gai Puja, Goru Puja, and Mha Puja, with the New Year of Nepal Sambat 1146 also beginning the same day, as Pratipada Tithi coincides with sunrise.

Finally, the festival will conclude on Thursday (Kartik 6) with Bhai Tika and Kija Puja.
The committee clarified that, according to scriptures, Bhai Tika (Bhratru Puja) applies to both brothers and sisters, allowing siblings to exchange tika based on seniority and affection.