The Bhaitika ritual, a highlight of the Tihar festival, is traditionally observed as a day when sisters apply tika to their brothers’ foreheads, wishing them health, happiness, and longevity. But in a rare departure from this age-old custom, two brothers from Tanahu have been keeping the spirit of the festival alive in their own way.
Madan and Suman Timilsina, residents of Sewar in Byas Municipality–10, performed the Bhaitika ceremony by applying tika to each other this year as well. They exchanged the seven-colored tika at 11:39 a.m., the auspicious hour for this year’s Bhaitika, and performed all the associated rituals, including garlanding each other with marigold and globe amaranth flowers.
Madan, the elder brother, first placed the colorful tika on his younger brother’s forehead, offering blessings and good wishes. Suman then followed the same ritual, marking the unique celebration that the duo has been continuing for eight consecutive years.
“Since we don’t have any sisters, we began celebrating Bhaitika like this. What started as a simple gesture has now become our tradition,” Madan shared.
Locals initially found the brothers’ way of observing Bhaitika unconventional, but over time, their practice has come to be seen as a heartfelt expression of sibling love and togetherness that transcends gender roles.
The Bhaitika ritual, which marks the final and most significant day of the five-day Tihar festival, is a cherished occasion symbolizing the bond between brothers and sisters, rooted in blessings, protection, and affection.
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