Damauli, Nov 12: Fourteen Chinese tourists visiting the tourist town of Bandipur celebrated this year’s Tihar by participating in the Nepali Bhai Tika ritual.
Srijana Baruwal and Bipana Chhimal, residents of Bandipur Rural Municipality-1, applied seven-coloured tika on the tourists’ foreheads and placed flower garlands around their necks.
The Chinese visitors, who were interested in learning about Nepali festivals, customs and culture, expressed happiness at getting the opportunity to participate in the Bhai Tika ritual during their visit.
The tourists, who arrived in Bandipur on Tuesday, had asked local residents about the festival celebrated by Nepalis. Local resident Basanta Poudel then explained the religious, cultural and social significance of Bhai Tika.
He told them that on Bhai Tika, sisters apply seven-coloured tika on their brothers’ foreheads, put flower garlands around their necks and pray for their long lives, happiness and prosperity.
After learning about the significance and rituals of Bhai Tika, the Chinese tourists expressed a desire to participate in the ceremony. Srijana Baruwal and Bipana Chhimal subsequently performed the ritual for them. The tourists appeared delighted after receiving tika and flower garlands in keeping with Nepali tradition.
According to Poudel, the ceremony was arranged to give the visitors first-hand exposure to Nepali culture after they expressed interest in learning about Bhai Tika.
“They had come to visit Bandipur and asked about the Nepali festival of Bhai Tika. I explained its significance and cultural aspects to them. After learning about the festival, they expressed a desire to receive tika themselves. They were very happy when the local sisters performed the ritual,” he said.
According to Poudel, visiting a country offers tourists an opportunity to explore its attractions and natural beauty while also learning about its culture, lifestyle and traditions.
He said residents were also excited to give visitors to Bandipur an opportunity to experience Nepali festivals.
The Chinese tourists said they were happy to take part in Nepali culture by receiving Bhai Tika. They said the experience allowed them to get a closer look at the traditions and culture of another country.
People’s News Monitoring Service
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