Bhai Tika is one of the most important Hindu festivals for brothers and sisters. It falls on Tihar’s last day (fifth day) and is also known as Bhai Tihar and Bhai Dujh (among Madhesi communities). This festival celebrates the bond between brother and sister. During this, the sister’s worship and pray to Lord Yama (Lord of Death), wishing their brothers a long and prosperous life. Bhai Tika is one of the most important days of the second biggest festival in Nepal.
According to legends, a girl named Yamuna, whose brother was ill, prayed for his long and healthy life, and when Yama, the god of death, came to take her brother with him, she pleaded for some time to worship him (her brother). Yama granted her the wish, after which she performed a long ceremony for her brother and Yama. He was delighted with her and promised not to take her brother’s soul until the offerings of turf grass and flowers remained fresh and unwilted. As the flowers and the turf grass remained unwilted and fresh till the next Bhai Tika, Yama granted the boy a long time. Since then, the sisters have performed the festival for the long and healthy lives of their brothers.
On this occasion, a special sagun (a packet of masala) is given to the brothers. This tradition is said to have started as a caring sister’s healthy snack pack for her brother to make his way back home, as the brothers in the past had to walk a long way to their sister’s home (after marriage) for the festival. This festival is usually celebrated at the sister’s marital home or her husband’s home after marriage. Some sisters also give cloth pieces along with the masala, and the main items used for the worship are turf grass, marigold flowers, and makhamali flowers, which are said to remain fresh for a long time.
The sisters worship the diyo, kalash, and Ganesh that they have set up in a nanglo and then make a border around their brothers (seated on the floor) first with oil and water to keep away bad omens. Then they worship the bimiro, which is on the outside of the door, and after that, they break a whole walnut kept beside the bimiro with a lohora (one of the parts of the stone grinder) and shut the door. This ritual is believed to be observed to keep Yama out of the room and away from the brothers. After that, the brothers are worshipped, and the colourful, usually rainbow-coloured, tika is put on their foreheads. They are then adorned with the flower garland, and sometimes a bouquet of turf grass is also made; if that is not possible, a bunch of turf grass is placed on their head, ear, or included in the garland. Finally, the masala and the gift are given, and they put tika on their foreheads. Then, the brothers touch their sister’s feet and give them gifts, usually cash or clothes. Then the brothers are fed before sending them back home with the masala and other gifts. If the brothers and sister have a home close to each other’s, the sister usually takes the masala to the brother’s house or sends someone to do it.
The Importance of Bhai Tika
It is claimed that the Yamuna herself visited her brother, the Hindu god, applying the auspicious tika on his forehead and garlands, and giving him special foods. Being proud of this Hindu god, he swore that anyone who received tilak from his sister would not die on that specific day.
The brother-sister bond is strengthened. Their friendship grows stronger. On this occasion, they exchange gifts and pray for each other’s happiness and love.
What do you need for Bhai tika?
Saptarangi tika, garlands, mandala-making tools, and other items are utilised in Bhai tika for the rite. Furthermore, the ceremony necessitates the consumption of several fruits, candies, and chocolates. Yoghurt is also required since it is used to make “Sagun,” which is a significant aspect of the event.
