Foreign tourists staying at a hotel in Thamel joined Nepal’s Dashain celebrations on Wednesday, receiving red tika and jamara as part of the rituals marking Bijaya Dashami, the festival’s main day.

Visitors at Kathmandu Echo Hotel took part in the traditional ceremony, sharing festive greetings and experiencing a central part of Nepali culture.

Sahadev Dhamala, a member of the Nepal Tourism Board and managing director of Kathmandu Echo Hotel, said such activities could help promote Nepal’s cultural diversity, traditions and hospitality to international visitors.

Pashupati Kandel, general secretary of the Thamel Tourism Board Council, said celebrating Dashain together could strengthen friendship, mutual understanding and cultural ties between Nepalis and foreigners.