11:37 AM auspicious hour of Bhai Tika

Oct 27: Brothers are receiving tika and blessings from their sisters today, the main day of Tihar, the second biggest festival of Nepali Hindus. 

On the fifth day of Tihar, also known as Yamapanchak, sisters wish their brothers long life, health and wealth with respect, faith and loyalty by putting Pancharangi or Saptarangi tika. 

After sisters put tika on their brothers' forehead, brothers also put tika on their sisters. It is widely believed that worshiping one's sisters leads to good luck and prosperity. 

Even though Bhaitka can take place throughout the day today, the auspicious time is at 11:37 am, according to Prof Srikrishna Adhikari, chairperson of the Nepal Calendar Determination Committee. 

According to the committee, the sisters who are putting tika to the brothers should turn to the East and the brothers who are receiving the tika to the West.

Meanwhile, in the capital Kathmandu, the temple of Balgopaleshwar in the middle of Ranipokhari is open for those who do not have sisters and those who are unable to reach their sisters for Bhai tika. The Balagopaleshwar Temple opens only today, i.e. once a year. Those who don't have sisters and brothers go to this temple, perform rituals, worship and receive tika. 

Spokesperson of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Naveen Manandhar said that all preparations have been completed to open the Balagopaleshwar temple for devotees since Thursday morning.