Today marks the auspicious occasion of Vijaya Dashami, the most significant day of Dashain or Durga Paksha, where people across Nepal receive tika and jamara as blessings from elders, representing good fortune and prosperity.

The sacred prasad of the nine forms of Goddess Durga, prepared during nine days of worship, is bestowed by respected elders today. For those seeking the most auspicious moment, the Nepal Panchanga Nirnayak Bikas Samiti has declared 11:36 am as the ideal time for receiving tika.

However, the committee's chair, Shreekrishna Adhikari, explained that for common people, there is no need to consult an auspicious time, as Vijaya Dashami itself is an inherently blessed day. "For state leaders, however, tika must be received at the specified time as per traditional scriptures, which declare that receiving tika at the auspicious moment bestows divine energy, mantras, and enthusiasm from the gods," he added.

The tika ceremony involves the application of sacred abhishek from the water of the full kalash, set up on the day of Ghatasthapana. This ritual symbolises the victory of good over evil, commemorated on the tenth day of the waxing moon in the month of Ashwin. Elders bestow tika and jamara upon their families as a form of Goddess Durga's blessings. Those unable to participate today can receive the tika until Kojagrat Purnima, the full moon day.

The committee announced 8:33 am as the auspicious time for Durga Bisarjan, the ritualistic immersion of the goddess.