Bhai tika is the last, and the important day of Tihar. The very day in which the sisters put Tika to their brothers’ forehead (and henceforth, referred to as ‘Bhai Tika’), express gratitude toward them for the protection they offer. This occasion honors ties between brother and sister, honoring the sacred passionate bond that they share. It is marked by offering uncommon prayers for every sibling’s success and long life.
What is the story behind celebrating Bhai Tika?
As per the conviction, when King Bali Hang of Kirati fell mortally sick, his sister Jamuna took care of him and monitored him. Jamuna argued to stand by until she had finished venerating her brother at the point when Yamaraj, the God of Death, sought the soul of Bali Hang; that is, until Panchami (Bhai Tika).
Then, for her brother, she at that point led a long and expound ceremony and played out the equivalent for Yamaraj. Some requirements were likewise set forth by her: that Yamaraj should not take Bali Hang until the tika which she had spread on her forehead obscures away; until the water sprinkled on her sibling dries out; and until the blooms of the makhani wilt.
Throughout the long term, Yamaraj sent his couriers to assess the blossoms, and when the following Bhai Tika puja showed up Yamaraj conceded that he had lost Bali Hang’s soul to his devout sister and allowed his long life.
What are the customs performed during Bhai Tika?
The ritual begins with the sister drawing 3 mandaps or frontiers at an assigned location. For Lord Ganesh, Janmaraj (God of Birth), and Yamaraj, the mandaps are made. The sister by then plays out the puja of the divinities, during which the brother is mentioned to wait for the tika ceremony on the mat. In front of him, special offerings are set.
The sister pours a hover of oil and glorious water from a copper pitcher around his body while intoning a protection spell, as a boundary over which demise and malicious spirits will not pass.
One of the fascinating parts of Bhai Tika is the custom of breaking a walnut. Sisters break hade other (walnut with hard shell) with Johor, and this custom is accepted to be a demonstration of putting an end to troubles in the life of their siblings. Individuals use the hard walnut, which is difficult to break for this custom than the one generally used for eating.
Applying the special Bhai tika, alluded to as saatrangitika (seven-hued tika), comprising of rainbow tones, is another most significant aspect of this custom. This is applied to the brother’s forehead, on top of a white base. Making the tika starts with putting a banana leaf (cut into a line shape) on the brother’s forehead.
The sister holds it, then she applies the base of the tika (created from rice paste). With her fingertips, the seven colors are dabbed on top of the base. (Instead of the banana leaf, others will utilize a small stick or a brush. All things considered, the stick is dipped into the base of the tika and vertically rubbed on the forehead. Utilizing a different stick, the seven colors are added on top of the base.)
These colors are often a symbol of change. They are the shades of a rainbow and connote originality as well. Any change in life is for good, and the seven tones can mirror the progressions one needs to experience his/her life. It reflects life’s diversity. They are the idealistic shades of life.
At that point, as the sister claims to God for his long life, joy, and proceeded with flourishing, a flower garland is put around the brother’s neck. The Makhamali flower is primarily utilized, which for a long time does not blur away, representing the sister’s desire for her brother to have a prosperous life. During Bhai Tika, Dubo grass and Godavari (chrysanthemum) are likewise utilized.
Then, bowing before him, in burning wicks, and so forth, she worships him with offerings of flowers, nuts, fruit, and rice. In exchange, the brothers often apply seven-colored tika (pancharangitika) to the forehead of the sister and give them something like a blessing (it very well may be a sum of money, clothes, or anything materialistic).
Note: In Hindu mythology, Bimiro has its importance and it is also worshipped in Bhai Tika in certain places. Yamaraj (the Death God) and Yami, his girlfriend, like biro. Along these lines, they are symbolized by this fruit and are hence worshipped. What’s more, we additionally worship the fruit that wishes for the bond and affection of a good brother-sister, as Yamaraj-Yami shares.
What does it refers to putting tika on brother’s forehead?
The citation while putting the tika is: “Along these lines do I mark the forehead of my brother and accordingly plant a thorn at the Yamaraj Door, checking passageway into death impossible. As Jamuna marked her brother’s face, so I’m doing my brother’s. As Yamaraj is eternal, so may my brother additionally be interminable.”
Yamarajleswor Temple at Rani Pokhari, in downtown Kathmandu, is visited by individuals who do not have a brother or sister. They pay honor to Lord Shiva there and they get Bhai tika. Strikingly, the sanctuary remains secured lasting through the year aside from on this specific day.
What is the propitious time for Bhai Tika 2021?
The Nepal Calendar Determination Committee has announced the favorable time for accepting and offering ‘Bhai Tika’ on the function of the Tihar celebration this year. Panel’s Chairman Prof Dr. Ramchandra Gautam informed the National News Agency (RSS) that 11:55 am is the most favorable time. It, notwithstanding, can be held until sunset.
Conclusion:
To reinforce the connection between brothers and sisters, the Bhai Tika is a significant day for the Hindu people. In Nepali culture, the Bhaitika custom is so strong and amazing that even the people who have no brothers or sisters of their receive tika from others they appear to be their brothers and sisters.