Kathmandu — Today marks Vijaya Dashami, the main day of Dashain, celebrated across Nepal by receiving tika and jamara from elders along with blessings and festive meals. Traditionally, the offerings prepared during nine days of worship since Ghatasthapana are received today as the prasad of Goddess Durga.

The auspicious time for tika today has been fixed at 11:53 am. According to tradition, the person receiving the tika should face east while the one applying it should face west. The ritual farewell (bisarjan) of the deities worshipped from Ghatasthapana takes place at 9:23 am. The yellow jamara, grown since the first day of Dashain, is regarded as a symbol of prosperity and is worn together with tika.

Ayurvedic experts note that jamara also carries medicinal value.

Vijaya Dashami is observed as a symbol of the victory of truth over falsehood and divine power over evil. According to Hindu belief, on this very day during the Treta Yuga, Lord Ram defeated Ravana, which is why the festival is called “Vijaya Dashami.”

On this day, children and younger family members receive tika and jamara from parents, grandparents, priests, and respected elders, along with blessings for long life, prosperity, knowledge, and honor. Special Vedic mantras are recited while giving tika.

For sons and men, the blessing is traditionally accompanied by this mantra:(wriiten in roman Nepali)

aayu drona sutey sriyam dashrathe shatru kshya raaghawey
yeshworya nahushe gatisch pawane maanncha duryodhaney
shaurya shantabaley balam haladhare daananch kuntisutey
bigyan bidurey bhawatu bhawataam kritishcha narayaney

which means,“May your life be like Ashwatthama, wealth like King Dasharath, the power to defeat enemies like Ram, riches like King Nahusha, speed like the wind, honor like Duryodhan, bravery like Bhishma, strength like Balaram, generosity like Karna, wisdom like Vidur, and fame like Narayan.”

For daughters, the blessing is given with another mantra that praises Goddess Durga in her many forms, including Kali, Bhadrakali, and Mangala, invoking her protection and grace.

Here it is in roman Nepali form:

jayanti mangala kaali bhadrakaali kapalini
durgaa kshyamaa shiwaa dhaatri swahaa swadhaa namstutey

While most families continue the practice of receiving tika and jamara until Kojagrat Purnima, some regions follow the tradition of completing the rituals today itself.

Since early morning, people across Nepal have been visiting elders to receive tika, jamara, and blessings. Vijaya Dashami is thus celebrated with joy, devotion, and a spirit of togetherness throughout the country.