November 7: Tihar, the second biggest festival of Hindus residing in Nepal, concluded on Saturday (November 6) after observing Bhai Tika on the final day of the five-day event.

During Bhai Tika, sisters put tika or a colourful marks on the forehead of their brothers with seven different colours. Sisters pray for longevity and prosperity of their brothers on this auspicious day. There is a tradition of giving priority to younger brothers while following the ritual of putting the colour mark or tika from which this day derives its name of 'Bhai-tika'.

Before the ritual, the siblings first worship the eight immortal beings including Markandeya, Bali, Parshuram, Vyas, Hanuman, Bivishan, Kripacharya and Ashwathma as per the tradition.

Yamaraj, the god of death, and his sister Yamuna are also worshipped to mark the bond between brothers and sisters. Legend has it that Yamuna started this tradition by putting tika on the forehead of Yamaraj, which is commemorated to this day.

Sisters also pray for long life of their brothers with Yamaraj.

Globe Amaranth, a flower whose colour does not fade, holds a special significance during this festival. Other flowers extensively used during this day is the Godavari and Marigold flowers.

Those who do not have siblings celebrate this festival with their close relatives. It is believed that the foreheads should not remain blank on this day. People who do not have siblings visit the Yamaleshwar Mahadev Temple at Ranipokhari in the heart of Kathmandu on this day. This temple is opened only once a year on the day of Bhai-tika.

After the ritual is over, brothers and sisters celebrate by feasting. There is also a tradition of playing swing on this day. It is believed that one must leave the ground once a year. After all this is over, families light lamps in the evening  as the five-day festival comes to a close.