Nepalis across the country are celebrating Bhaitika on Sunday, the concluding day of Tihar, the five-day festival of lights. This day, also known as Yama Dwitiya, is dedicated to honouring the bond between brothers and sisters, with sisters placing multi-coloured tika on their brothers’ foreheads, praying for their long life, health, and prosperity.

The auspicious time for Bhaitika this year is 11:37am, though rituals can be performed until sunset, said Professor Shree Krishna Adhikari, chairperson of the National Calendar Determination Committee.

During the ritual, brothers sit within a circle of mustard oil, symbolising protection, as their sisters apply colourful tika and place garlands made of dubo (doob grass), marigold, and makhamali (globe amaranth flowers) around their necks. Sisters then offer special treats such as sweets, dry fruits, and sel—a traditional fried bread.

In return, brothers also apply tika to their sisters’ foreheads, giving them gifts and blessings.

This tradition commemorates a legend in which a sister secured a blessing from Yama, the god of death, that her brother would be safe until the oil circle dries and the garlands fade.

Even those without siblings participate, exchanging tika with individuals they consider as close as brothers or sisters.