Bhai-Tika / Bhai-Teeka

Bhai tika is the last day of Diwali celebrations in Nepal. It is the most important day and is also known as Bhai tihar. On this brother and sister day, sister pray to Yamraja for her brother's long life and prosperity. The royal astrologer gives the appropriate time to put the tika through the national radio a day before and the entire nation abides by it. Even his majesty, the king of Nepal receives tika from is sisters. When his majesty receives tika a thirty-one-gun salute is given to honor the function. At this moment the entire nation will be observing Bhai Tika.

Legend holds that when the Kirat king fell ill, Yama sent messages in the form of dogs and crows. At this time, Bali Hang's sister guarded him by sending messages that he could take him only after fulfilling certain conditions; that the god of death should wait till Panchami ie bhai tika. She also put forth conditions that Yama should not take Bali Hang until the tika, which she had smeared on his forehead, fades away, the water sprinkled dries and the makhmali (a kind of flower) flower wilts.

A Mandap is made in the name of her brother, then the sister put Paanch Rangi Tika (Five colored) -- Yellow, green, red, blue and white color ,offers him Shagun, fruits and sweets and in return the brother gives their sister gifts or money. The main theme behind bhai tika is the sisters praying for their brother's long life from Yama Raj, god of the underworld.

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FIRST DAY:
Dhanatrayodashi | Yamadeepdaan | Dhan Teyras | Asweyuja Bahula Thrayodasi / Dhantheran
SECOND DAY:
Choti Diwali | Narkachaturdashi | Roop Chaturdashi | Kali Choudas | Mahanisha / Kali Puja | Divvela Panduga / Divili Panduga
THIRD DAY:
Laxmi Pujan | Chopda Pujan | Deva Divali | Sukhsuptika | Kaumudi Mahostavam | Badhausar | Balindra Pooja | Karthigai Deepam | Thalai Deepavali | Sharda Pujan | Bandi Chhor Diwas | Diyari
FORTH DAY:
Goverdhan puja | Bestavarsh | Gudi Padava | Varsha Pratipada/ Pratipad Padwa | Annakoot | Bali Padyam / Bali Pratipada | Muharat Pujan
FIFTH DAY:
Bhai Phota | Bhaubeej / Bhav-Bij | Bhai-Tika | Yamadwitheya / Bhathru Dwithiya | Gorehabba | Bhatri Ditya | Bhathru Dwithiya
RELATED FESTIVALS:
Kojagara | Labh Pancham | Tulsi Vivah

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