Pokhara, 5 October | The tradition of receiving the Dashain Tika from relatives and elders continues today, which marks Ashwin Shukla Trayodashi and the fourth day of the main festival period. Specifically, those who were unable to receive the tika on the main day of Bijaya Dashami are using this opportunity to receive the tika, jamara (sacred grass), and blessings from their respected elders. The Nepal Panchanga Nirnayak Bikas Samiti (Nepal Calendar Determination Development Committee) has affirmed that since the tika is the blessing of the Goddess, it can be administered until Kojagrat Purnima (Full Moon), officially extending the ritual past Bijaya Dashami and Ekadashi. However, in some districts of Western Nepal, the practice restricts the tika ceremony only to the main Dashami day.
While Dashain is fundamentally celebrated as the victory of truth over falsehood, it is also valued as a crucial time for family reunions, fostering harmony and intimacy among relatives who seldom meet. For the festival, over 600,000 people had left the Kathmandu Valley. As the celebrations continue, many are now starting to return to the city. Consequently, Kathmandu, which had become notably quiet over the past few days, is seeing a significant increase in crowds and activity. The ongoing return of people marks the gradual conclusion of the main festive period, highlighting Dashain’s role in social and family bonding.
