Fifth Day Of Tihar Bhai Teeka Being Celebrated Today

Bhai Teeka is being celebrated all over Nepal and also among Nepalese living around the world.Bhai Teeka literally means a Teeka to the brothers. Today brothers receive 7 different colored Teeka (mark) on their forehead and garland of Makhamali, Marigold, Dahlia, Dubo and other flowers along with delicious foods such as  celroti, sweets, verities of meat, fish and fruits.In return brothers also offer Teeka and gifts including cash, clothes, foods etc. Today Nepal Calendar Determination Committee has determined as the auspicious Bhai Teeka time at 11:35 am although the whole day is auspicious day for Bhai Teeka.At many communities aunts also offer Teeka to their nephews.

When the exchanging of Bhai Teeka is completed, there will be a feast in the family including superiors, children, women and everyone of the family. After the feast, people start the Deusi program. Deusi is a pageantry among brothers, friends and family around the neighbors where they visit door to door singing Deusi songs and perform dances asking Dakshina which includes money, fruits, foods etc.The most common traditional Deusi song goes like this:

Aa Hai Bhana Bhana Bhai Ho

Deusire (Chorus)

Ye Hai Ramrari Bhana

Deusire (Chorus)

Swar Milai Kana

Deusire (Chorus)

Deusi ceremony can continue until the day of Ekadasi (on 3rd of November).Tihar is the second biggest festival in Nepal after the Dashain festival. Main days of Tihar festival starts from Crows day followed by Dog’s Day, Cow’s day (Gai Tihar and Laxmi Pooja), Ox’s day (Goru Tihar or Gobardhan Pooja and the Bhai Teeka day.Tihar is also the festival of lights as all the homes get colorful lights to welcome goddess Laxmi who is the goddess of wealth and prosperity.