Bundles of jamara--sacred shoots grown for Dashain and placed on the head as a blessing from Goddess Durga--were on sale in Kathmandu’s Kasthamandap area on Wednesday, drawing crowds of buyers and sellers from early morning.

People traditionally sow jamara at home on Ghatasthapana, the first day of Dashain. Those unable to grow it themselves for various reasons buy it on Vijaya Dashami, when families gather to receive tika and blessings. Bundles were selling for Rs100 to Rs150 in the area.

According to the Nepal Panchanga Nirnayak Bikas Samiti, the auspicious time for ritually bidding farewell to the goddess was 8:49am on Wednesday. The most auspicious time to apply tika was 10:26am. The committee said the person applying tika should face east, while the recipient should face west.

On Vijaya Dashami, the festival's main day, families receive red tika and jamara, ritually consecrated since Ghatasthapana, from the eldest or senior-most member of the household. Relatives also gather to share the goddess’s offerings and exchange blessings.

According to Hindu tradition, Vijaya Dashami marks Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura and Lord Ram’s victory over Ravana. The tika ritual therefore carries the spiritual wish that truth, righteousness and good conduct will prevail in life.

Red tika is regarded as a symbol of strength, victory, good fortune and auspiciousness, while jamara represents fertility, vitality and prosperity.