KATHMANDU, Nepal-Hindus across the country and abroad, have been observing Vijaya Dashami, the tenth and the most important day of the Dashain festival, on Monday by receiving Tika, Jamara and blessings from their elders.
According to Nepal Panchanga Deciding Committee, the most auspicious time to put Tika is 9:57 am.
To mark the day, people visit their families and relatives to receive Tika—a mixture of rice, yogurt and vermillion—and Jamara.
Generally, the head of the family offers Tika on others and the celebration continues for four additional days and ends on the full moon day, which is also observed as Kojagrata Purnima.
On the occasion, President Ram Baran Yadav has extended his best wishes for peace, happiness and prosperity of all the Nepali sisters and brothers within the country and abroad.
Similarly, Nepali Congress president Sushil Koirala, United Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, CPNUML chairman Jhalanath Khanal among other leaders have extended their best wishes on the occasion.
In the meantime, President Dr Ram Baran Yadav offered Tika to commoners at Sheetal Niwas 1:00 to 5:00 pm, according to the Office of the President.
Likewise, ex-king Gyanendra Shah also offered Tika to commoners at Nirmal Niwas all through the day.
Dashain is the longest and the most auspicious festival of Hindus in Nepal.
