Similarly, one of the prominent aspects of Bhai Tika is the seven colors of tika adorned on the forehead, adding more to the richness of the occasion. Celebrated on the fifth day of Tihar, the day is considered to be the biggest and most pious occasion of strengthening the sacred bond of brothers and sisters.[break]
Professor Mukunda Raj Aryal says, “To begin the ceremony of Bhai Tika, Yamaraj (the god of death), Yamuna (sister of Yamaraj), followed by the Yamadoot (messenger of Yamaraj) and Asta Chiranjibi (immortal gods) are worshipped. A mandap is also made for Asta Chiranjibi. After worshipping the deities, the Puja involves a ritual in which the sisters trickle oil and holy water on the floor three times in a circle around the brothers from a copper pitcher as a boundary to guard against evil spirits and death.”
He further adds that shagun (special offerings) is given to the brothers. Breaking of walnuts by sisters prior to giving tika to brothers is also a common practice. The most important part is applying the special Bhai Tika called the saptarangi tika (seven-colored tika) consisting of the colors of the rainbow (VIBGYOR), a traditional practice originally of the Terai, and now also assimilated in the mainstream process. Using rice paste as a base, the seven colors are dabbed on top of the base on the forehead, using fingers, stick or brush.
Traditionally, to create a perfect design pattern of the tika, banana leaves were used by holding it against the forehead, then the entire rainbow colors were dabbed in a design pattern, and then finally, the banana leaf was removed.
The invocation is that by applying the tika, the entrance of the brothers into death is impossible, and thus, like Yamaraj, the brothers are also made immortal.
Aryal further says, “Our traditions are based on the religious scriptures, but also shaped by our age-old practices. The tradition of applying the saptarangi, which are the seven colors for Bhai Tika, has been in practice since time immemorial. The seven colors used have different meanings and connotations, but the main purpose is to extend the longevity and prosperity of the brothers.”
The white color used for the tika stands for purity and peace and also to evoke pure feelings. Red signifies good
fortune and valor. Green is used to prevent obstacles; yellow is used to guard off any kind of harm or disease; and blue is used for spreading the glory.
All the different colors with significant meanings are applied as a prayer with respect and devotion to spread prosperity, longevity, and glory of the brothers.
He adds, “Earlier, colors were prepared naturally and extracted from flowers. Green was prepared from crushed blades of grass, and yellow from sayapatri (marigold). But these days, all sorts of colors made from chemicals are found in the market.”
In some communities, Bhai Tika is celebrated in the evening, and instead of using seven colors for tika, they use yellow and crimson as a base and put red color with rice paste on top of it.
Flower garlands are also offered to brothers on the day of Bhai Tika. The use of Makhamali flower has a significant meaning behind it. Makhamali (velvet flower) is a
symbol of longevity as it does not wither, and by offering a garland of this flower, sisters wish a long life for their brothers with the belief that their brothers will be spared from untimely and unnatural death. Garlands of sayapatri is also used because it grows in the Tihar season.
After completing the ceremony, sisters treat their brothers to a sumptuous midday feast and gifts, including a shagun of fruits and sweets. Brothers, in their turn, also put tika on their sisters’ foreheads and give gifts and dakshina.
Tihar culminates on the day of Bhai Tika, and the festival ends with sisters worshipping their brothers, thus renewing and celebrating the holy and emotional bonds between the siblings.
The interpretation of the rituals and the procedures of Bhai Tika may vary among different communities, but the gist remains the same: the mutual theme of share-and-care resonates between loving sisters and their beloved brothers.
Related story
Desperate search for missing girls as nearly 80 dead in Texas f...
