Bhai Tika,the festival celebrating beautiful bond between brother and sister, being celebrated

Nepali Hindus are celebrating Bhai Tika, the fifth and last day of Tihar, the festival of lights, across the country on Friday.

On this day, sisters put "tika" on foreheads of brothers, to ensure good health, prosperity and long life, and thank them for the protection they give. When the sisters give the "tika", the brothers give gifts or money in return. A special garland is made for the brothers out of a flower that wilts after a couple of months, symbolizing the sister's prayer for her brother's long life.

Nepalis living abroad also celebrate Bhai Tika with same zeal.

The Nepali Calendar Determination Committee has said that the auspicious hour for offering the Bhai Tika in Tihar festival is at 11:55 am on
October 28.

Bhaitika can, however, continue until the sunset on the day, the committee said. nepalnews.com