Nepal celebrates Vijaya Dashami with tika ceremony
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People in Nepal celebrated Vijaya Dashami, the main day of the Bada Dashain festival, by exchanging red tika and yellow jamara, symbols of prosperity, with elders.
The Nepal Panchanga Adhiniyak Vikas Samiti determined 8:49 AM as the auspicious time to begin religious rites, and 10:26 AM as the best time to apply the tika. During the ceremony, those giving the tika face east while recipients face west.
The tradition of receiving tika and jamara from the head of the household and elders seeks blessings and strengthens family bonds. Dashain brings together relatives who live apart, fostering love, respect, and goodwill within communities. Religious texts like the Markandeya Purana’s ‘Devi Mahatmya’ describe the festival’s connection to Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasur and Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana. The red tika signifies power and good fortune, while jamara represents fertility and life.
People also wear the red and white cloth offered to Bhagavati as a blessing. Prayers recited during the festival ask for long life, fame, strength, and wisdom, and seek protection from the gods.
