Bhai Tika

What Bhai Tika is

Bhai Tika is Kartik Shukla Dwitiya, the fifth and last day of Tihar. Sisters pray for the long life of their brothers. The story is of Yamuna, who kept her brother Yama, the lord of death, at her door with a tika and a garland that never fades. Sisters put the saptarangi tika of seven colours on their brothers' foreheads and garland them with makhamali flowers; brothers give gifts and their promise to protect. The day is kept by the tithi that holds midday.

How families keep it

The sister draws a line of oil and water around her brother, gives the tika at the auspicious time Nepal announces, and serves him sel roti, sweets and nuts. Those with no brother or sister exchange tika with a cousin or a friend.

The days of Tihar

• Kag Tihar

  Saturday, November 7, 2026 · Kartik 21, 2083

  The first day of Tihar, when the crow, Yama's messenger, is fed.

• Laxmi Puja

  Sunday, November 8, 2026 · Kartik 22, 2083

  The third day of Tihar: homes are lit with lamps and Goddess Laxmi is welcomed.

• Kukur Tihar

  Sunday, November 8, 2026 · Kartik 22, 2083

  The second day of Tihar, when dogs are honoured with garlands, tika and food.

• Govardhan Puja

  Tuesday, November 10, 2026 · Kartik 24, 2083

  The fourth day of Tihar: Govardhan Puja, the worship of the ox, and Mha Puja.

• Bhai Tika

  Wednesday, November 11, 2026 · Kartik 25, 2083

  The last day of Tihar, when sisters put the seven-coloured tika on their brothers.

Bhai Tika in the coming years

• 2026Wednesday, November 11, 2026Kartik 25, 2083
• 2027Sunday, October 31, 2027Kartik 14, 2084
• 2029Wednesday, November 7, 2029Kartik 21, 2086
• 2030Monday, October 28, 2030Kartik 11, 2087
• 2031Sunday, November 16, 2031Kartik 30, 2088

Each date is the day Nepal keeps the festival. Nepal publishes its patro one year at a time, so a date further ahead can move by a day when that year's patro comes out. For a ceremony, Pandit Ji confirms the day and the muhurta.