The tenth and the main day of the Dashain festival, Vijaya Dashami, is being celebrated throughout the country and outside in various countries Thursday.
On this day people receive Tika, Jamara and blessings from elders amidst family gatherings and engage in merrymaking. In Nepal, Vijaya Dashami is celebrated not only by Hindus, but also by many other religious communities as a way of social interaction.
Panchanga Nirnayak Samiti – the official committee of astrologers – has prescribed auspicious time for Tika between 11:03 and 11:14 am and 11:46 and 11:55 am.
Generally, people receive Tika from their parents and elders at the most auspicious time and visit their relatives throughout the day. Those who cannot visit all of their relatives on the day can do so within five days till Purnima.
As this festival is known for family gatherings, people return from all parts of the world, as well as different parts of the country, to celebrate Dashain. Apart from the religious practices, Dashain is also marked by merrymaking, gambling and excessive consumption of food and liquor.
Nepalese living abroad also celebrate the festival passionately, as it provides them a rare opportunity to gather at one place and exchange greetings. nepalnews.com Oct 09 08
