Bhai Tika celebrated nationwide, auspicious hour set for 11:07 am

Kathmandu, November 11, 2026 — Bhai Tika, the concluding day of the five-day Tihar festival, is being observed across Nepal today, with the Nepal Calendar Determination Development Committee identifying 11:07 am as the most auspicious time for the ceremony.

The ritual may be performed at any time during the day, but the committee has recommended 11:07 am for those who follow traditional astrological practices. Committee Chairperson Associate Professor Dr Purushottam Bhattarai said state authorities had also been advised to conduct the ceremony at the designated hour.

Observed on the second day of the waxing moon in the Nepali month of Kartik, Bhai Tika celebrates the relationship between brothers and sisters. Sisters place multi-coloured tika on their brothers' foreheads, wishing them long lives, good health and prosperity. Brothers reciprocate with gifts and expressions of love and respect.

According to traditional astrological beliefs, sisters should face east while applying tika, while brothers should face west.

The festival is also marked by the exchange of flower garlands, particularly those made from makhamali, marigold and chrysanthemum. Families prepare traditional foods, including sel roti, and offer walnuts as part of the celebrations.

Bal Gopaleshwar Temple, located at the centre of Rani Pokhari in Kathmandu, has opened for people who do not have brothers or sisters but wish to take part in the rituals and receive tika. The temple is opened to devotees only once a year, on Bhai Tika.