Introduction
Bhai Tika is the name given to the fifth and final day of Tihar. Brothers and sisters commemorate their unique bond by worshiping each other and giving gifts to each other to express their feelings on this last day, which is celebrated with great fanfare throughout the nation.
What is the Meaning of Bhai Tika in Nepal?
Deepawali is a five-day celebration that represents light and triumph. "Bhai Tika" is the name of the fifth and final day of Deepawali. In literal translation, sisters mark their brothers' foreheads with "Tika" on Bhai Tika as a token of appreciation for their protection.
Brothers and sisters celebrate their brotherhood by applying tika to each other on the main day of Tihar. Vaccinations can be administered at any time of day, even though this is the best time of year to do them.
On the previous day, the sisters invite their brothers by giving them betel-nuts etc.
What is the legend behind Bhai Tika?
It is said that Yamaraj was only able to accept the brother after his sister passed away prematurely. This was the reason behind the rituals we performed on Bhai tika, our boju used to tell us. The breaking of the Okhar (walnut) by our sisters today is meant to represent the breaking of Yamaraj's head during that great battle.
Together, brothers and sisters prepare the materials for the puja. The materials for puja are prepared, including kalash, lamp, Ganesha, walnut, mustard oil, bimiro, flower garlands, dubo, lava, etc.
Following that, a few steps need to be finished before beginning to wear Bhaitika. Firstly, the sisters have to worship the Bimiro that was installed on the day of Lakshmi Puja, as well as the lamps, Kalash, and Ganesha.
Markandeya, Ashwatthama, Bali, Beas, Hanuman, Vibhishana, Kripacharya, and Parashuram are among the vegetation deities to be worshipped, along with Chiranjeevi, Chitragupta, Yamaraja, Yamuna, Dharmaraja, Ganapatya, and others, according to the Ashtdal written in Multhali.
Following that, it is traditional to offer prayers at the door of the house to Okhar and Yamraj, asking for long life and good fortune for the brothers.
For tika, seven circles of water and oil are sprinled around the brother's seat. The brother is then worshipped with flowers, akshata, lava, etc., and oil is applied to his hair, among other things.
The day of vaccinations then starts. The five colors red, white, yellow, green, and blue are said to be used for tika in Hindu texts. Nonetheless, it is customary to paint seven different colors of tika in various locations throughout Nepal.
Flowers or duboka garlands, like velvet, saypatri, Godavari, etc., are applied after the tika is applied. At Tihar, garlands made of Makhamli, Dubo, and Sayapatri hold particular significance. It is traditional to use those garlands in Bhaitika because the velvet never fades, the ink never turns yellow, and the color of the leaves never changes.
Brothers should vaccinate their sisters after sisters have vaccinated their brothers, and Dakshina, gifts, and other items are traded.
In Sanghar, the sisters are known to break walnuts afterward. Enemies are said to shatter into pieces similar to walnuts.
Different regions of Nepal have different customs and methods for wearing bhaiti. However, its significance is shared. Bhaitika Day is thought to bring constant good fortune and prosperity as well as strengthen the close bond between sisters and brothers.
What is the importance of Tihar festival?
Importance of Tihar in Nepalese Culture
There are various ways to understand its cultural significance: Spiritual Significance: The festival entails the worship of a number of deities, such as the crow, dog, cow, and oxen, as well as Goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
What do the Nepali Bhai Tika colors mean?
It is thought that the seven colours on a brother or sister's tika, known as saptarangi tika, are a reflection of sunlight. This represents a sister's desire for her brother to have solar-like strength. It also expresses her hope that her brother's good deeds will grow brighter like the sun.
Conclusion
A celebration of life, love, and cultural heritage, Bhai Tika is more than just a festival. It is a colorful reminder of the lasting relationship that exists between siblings, a relationship that is highly valued, fostered, and honored in Nepal. Bhai Tika is a celebration that builds family bonds and presents the world with the rich tapestry of Nepali culture through its poignant rituals and rich traditions.
