Kathmandu, Oct 2 (By Shirish B Pradhan) – Nepal’s President Ramchandra Paudel on Thursday received Tika on the occasion of Vijaya Dashami, the 10th day of the country’s biggest festival, Bada Dashain, and wished for stability and prosperity in the Himalayan nation.
Following tradition, Paudel received Tika at the auspicious hour of 11:53 am from priests Arjun Adhihari and Devraj Aryal, according to the president’s office.
However, both President Paudel and Prime Minister Sushila Karki refrained from offering Tika to the public this year. Officials said the decision was taken in view of the country’s ongoing political upheaval following weeks of turmoil and protests that recently led to a change in government.
Bada Dashain, celebrated with great enthusiasm nationwide, is marked by family gatherings where elders bless younger members with Tika and Jamara. This year’s festivities, though lively among citizens, lacked the usual grand presidential and prime ministerial public ceremonies.