Vijaya Dashami today, auspicious time for tika at 10:26 am

Vijaya Dashami, the main day of the Durga fortnight of Bada Dashain, is being celebrated today. People are receiving tika, jamara and blessings from their elders as prasad of Navadurga.

According to the Nepal Panchang Nirnayak Vikas Samiti, tika can be applied after the goddess's farewell rites at 8:49 am on Wednesday, Kattik 4. For those wishing to apply tika at the most auspicious moment, the committee has designated 10:26 am.

The red tika applied during Dashain is regarded as a symbol of an auspicious moment, while jamara is seen as a symbol of prosperity. It is a tradition for elders to give tika and jamara along with blessings to those younger than themselves.

On the occasion of Vijaya Dashami, programs of tika and worship are under way in homes across the country and at various temples and shrines.