October 27: Today is the fifth and the final day of Tihar festival. On this day, sisters put tika or a mark 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'.

According to the Nepal Calendar Fixation Committee, the auspicious time for putting tika or the colourful marks on the forehead during this year’s Tihar festival is 11:37 am today (October 27).

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 till 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 draws to a close.