Today I went to Kumar's house (my leather sample maker), he had invited me to his daughter Alisha's Bhai Tika ceremony with her younger brother and cousin.
Alisha performed this ceremony to her two 'brothers' including putting dots of the brightly coloured powder paste and a mixture of dry rice and red powder, on their foreheads. They had big plates of food gifts and incense which she gave them, as well as garlands they wore around their neck.
It was beautifully colourful and great to see them perform it in their own home, I was greatful to be part of it!
"The last day of Tihar is Bhai Tika, when sisters put tika on foreheads of brothers, to ensure long life, and thank them for the protection they give. When the sisters give the tika, the brothers give gifts or money in return. A special garland is made for the brothers out of a flower that wilts after a couple of months, symbolizing the sister's prayer for her brother's long life."
Kumar also gave me some brightly coloured lights that look like flowers with smily faces on! And they flash in different ways - be great to decorate my flat!
Cycling back, I noticed that lots of people had also performed the ceremony already this morning, with the noticeable coloured dots tikka and the flower garlands. Most families seem to go to each other's houses throughout the day, so different family members can perform the ceremony to each other. Kumar and his family were going to his sister's house south of the city, so he could perform the ceremony with her. Seems like a good way for families to catch up!
Happy Bhai Tikka!
Posted via email from AURA QUE
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