Bhai Tika is a significant festival celebrated in Nepal and parts of India, marking the bond between brothers and sisters. It is observed on the fifth day of the Tihar festival, right on the day of Kartik Sukla Dwitiya. In 2023, Bhai Tika was celebrated on 15th November, Wednesday
Auspicious time for Bhai Tika(Bhai Tika Sahit 2080/2023)
Auspicious time(Sahit): Morning: 10:51 am, Kathmandu, Nepal
Note: टीका लगाइदिने दिदीबहिनी पश्चिम र लगाइमाग्ने दाजुभाइ पूर्व फर्कने ।
Bhai Tika 2023 Auspicious Time across different locations:
| Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi, UAE | 15 November 2023 | 11:14 am |
| Bangkok, Thailand | 15 November 2023 | 11:41 am |
| Brisbane, Australia | 15 November 2023 | 10:15 am |
| California, USA | 14 November 2023 | 10:55 am |
| Canavera, Australia | 15 November 2023 | 11:11 am |
| Delhi, India | 15 November 2023 | 11:05 am |
| Doha, Qatar | 15 November 2023 | 11:11 am |
| Geneva, Switzerland | 14 November 2023 | 11:54 am |
| Hong Kong | 15 November 2023 | 10:57 am |
| Kentucky, USA | 14 November 2023 | 11:55 am |
| Kathmandu, Nepal | 29 Kartik 2080 | 10:51 am |
| Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | 15 November 2023 | 11:15 am |
| Lisbon, Portugal | 14 November 2023 | 11:51 am |
| London, UK | 14 November 2023 | 11:57 am |
| Melbourne, Australia | 15 November 2023 | 11:34 am |
| New York, USA | 14 November 2023 | 11:15 am |
| Osaka, Japan | 15 November 2023 | 10:45 am |
| Paris, France | 14 November 2023 | 11:05 am |
| Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | 15 November 2023 | 10:37 am |
| Seoul, South Korea | 15 November 2023 | 11:42 am |
| Singapore | 15 November 2023 | 11:05 am |
| Sydney, Australia | 15 November 2023 | 11:15 am |
| Tel Aviv, Israel | 14 November 2023 | 11:35 am |
| Texas, USA | 14 November 2023 | 11:25 am |
| Tokyo, Japan | 15 November 2023 | 10:45 am |
| Toronto, Canada | 14 November 2023 | 11:45 am |
| Vancouver, Canada | 14 November 2023 | 11:57 am |
| Washington DC, USA | 14 November 2023 | 11:21 am |
| Wellington, New Zealand | 15 November 2023 | 11:19 am |
| Yangon, Myanmar | 15 November 2023 | 11:45 am |
Historical Significance
The history of Bhai Tika is intertwined with the story of Yamaraj, the god of death, and his sister Yamuna. According to legend, Yamaraj visited his sister Yamuna, who requested him to wait until she had finished the farewell puja for her brother. She also asked Yamaraj not to take her brother away until certain conditions were met – the fading of the color of Supari or Makhamali Phool (Violet colored betelnut or velvet flower) and Dubbo immortal grass, and the drying of the borderline of oil where her brother was sitting to perform the farewell worship Bhai Puja. These things were known to be immortal or last a long time. Yamaraj agreed to these conditions and was led into a room where he was fed delicious dishes. Taking advantage of his diverted attention, Yamuna slammed the heavy wooden door shut, bolted it from outside, and returned to take puja and tika from her brother. The people of Yamaloka were surprised at the prolonged absence of Yamaraj, and they approached Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva visited there to request the man and his sister to release Yamaraj from his room. Lord Shiva was pleased with the brave dealing of the man and blessed him to live a long life. Since that day, the farewell puja changed into blessing Puja or Bhai Puja (Bhai Tika), which is the last day of the Tihar festival
Rituals of Bhai Tika
Morning rituals
- Sisters start the day by preparing the puja (worship) materials. These materials include a seven-colored tika, flowers, fruits, and sweets.
- The sister then bathes and dresses in new clothes.
Tika ceremony
- The brother sits comfortably on a chair or cushion.
- The sister then applies the tika to his forehead. The tika is a symbol of protection and good luck.
- The sister offers prayers for the brother’s long life and prosperity.
Gift exchange
- The brother gives gifts to his sister.
- The sister gives the brother a rakhi, a sacred thread that is tied around the brother’s wrist. The rakhi is a symbol of protection and love.
Feast
- The family enjoys a feast together.
Conclusion
Bhai Tika is a beautiful festival that celebrates the love and bond between sisters and brothers. It is a time for families to come together and reaffirm their relationships.
