Nepal’s Leaders Forego Traditional Tika Ceremony Amid Recent Political Upheaval

President Ramchandra Paudel and Prime Minister Sushila Karki abstained from the traditional Tika ceremony during this year's Bada Dashain festival in Nepal, citing the country's recent political upheaval. The tradition is associated with blessings and prosperity, but leaders chose to forego it as a gesture of respect to victims of recent protests.

President Ramchandra Paudel and Prime Minister Sushila Karki have decided not to participate in the traditional Tika ceremony during Nepal’s Bada Dashain festival this year. This decision comes in light of the recent political unrest that has gripped the nation, leading to widespread disruption.

The President received Tika from priests as per tradition but refrained from offering it to the public, a custom he has upheld in previous years. The gesture is a marked departure from routine practices, reflecting the government's sensitivity to the ongoing tensions in the country.

Prime Minister Karki, who assumed office amid the turmoil, also abstained from the custom, citing respect for the victims of the recent Gen Z protests, during which significant loss of life occurred. Both leaders have called for peace and stability in their public messages to citizens.