President Ramchandra Paudel and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli celebrated Bijaya Dashami by receiving tika, jamara, and blessings from their respective families today, marking the auspicious festival of Dashain.

President Paudel received the Dashain tika and jamara from his 94-year-old elder brother, Dundiraj Paudel, at the President’s official residence, Shital Niwas, at the auspicious time of 11:36 am.

Following this, the President also received tika and blessings from the priests and offered tika and jamara to First Lady Sabita Paudel and other family members.

As per tradition, the President is scheduled to offer tika and jamara to distinguished figures, including Deputy Prime Ministers, provincial chiefs, ministers, lawmakers, and senior civil, military, and police officers from 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm today. From 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm, President Paudel will also offer tika to members of the general public at Shital Niwas, continuing a practice that symbolises familial and societal unity during the Dashain festival.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli also received tika and jamara from his father, Mohan Prasad Oli, at the same auspicious time. The Prime Minister offered tika to his spouse, Radhika Shakya, and other family members. However, due to the recent natural disasters, including severe flooding and landslides that hit the country in late September, Prime Minister Oli will not be offering tika to the general public this year, according to his office.

Dashain, Nepal's most significant festival, celebrates the victory of good over evil, symbolised by the goddess Durga's triumph over the demon Mahishasur. Receiving tika and jamara during Dashain is a tradition that promotes purity and unity, bringing families together to receive blessings from their elders.