KATHMANDU, Oct 12: On the main day of Bada Dashain today, people are receiving tika and jamara as blessings from elders. Red tika, symbolizing good fortune and jamara, symbolizing prosperity, are offered as prasad (sacred offerings) of Goddess Navadurga.
The Nepal Calendar Determination Development Committee has announced that the most auspicious time for receiving tika is at 11:36 AM. While ordinary people are not required to follow a specific time, the committee has stated that state officials should receive tika at the auspicious time.
The auspicious time for the immersion of the goddess is at 8:33 AM, according to Shri Krishna Adhikari, the chairman of the Nepal Calendar Determination Development Committee. He mentioned that it would be best to face east while receiving the Bijaya Dashami offerings.
Bijaya Dashami today
It is considered ideal for the person receiving the tika to face east, with the moon on their right, while the person offering the tika should face west. Adhikari also said that since Bijaya Dashami itself is an auspicious day, ordinary people do not need to worry about finding a specific time to receive tika.
On the day of Ghatasthapana, the sacred vessel is installed, and on Vijaya Dashami, tika is applied through a Vedic ritual of anointing from this vessel. The festival of Bijaya Dashami, celebrated on the tenth day of the waxing moon of Ashwin, is observed today with great joy by receiving tika and jamara as blessings from elders, symbolizing the offerings of Goddess Durga Bhawani.
According to religious belief, this tradition of celebrating Vijaya Dashami began on the same day in the Treta Yuga when Lord Ram defeated Ravana, who symbolized falsehood. Hence, this day is also regarded as a symbol of victory.
Today, people receive tika, jamara, and blessings from spiritual guides, grandparents, parents, elders, and respected individuals as offerings of Goddess Nava Durga Bhawani. Through this, they seek blessings for increased prosperity, growth in capabilities, and longevity.
Those who are unable to receive tika today can do so on the occasion of Kojagrat Purnima, as long as the ritual of offering sacrifices (Akhil Bali Purti) remains incomplete.
