Introduction
Dashain Tika is the most sacred and joyful moment of the entire Dashain festival. On Vijaya Dashami — the tenth and most auspicious day — elders place the tika on the foreheads of younger family members, blessing them with longevity, prosperity and protection.
For Nepalis living in the UK, recreating this sacred ritual at home is deeply important. Whether you're celebrating with family in London, Birmingham, Manchester or anywhere across the UK, this guide covers everything you need for Dashain Tika — and where to buy it all in one place.
What is Dashain Tika?
Dashain Tika is a mixture of red vermillion (abir/sindoor), yoghurt (dahi), and rice (akshata) — applied to the forehead by elders as a blessing during Vijaya Dashami. Jamara (barley grass, grown from the first day of Dashain) is also placed behind the ears as part of the blessing.
The tika represents the blessing of Goddess Durga and is the culmination of 15 days of celebration, fasting, and prayer.
Dashain Tika Ingredients — What You Need
For the Tika mixture:
- Red abir/sindoor (vermillion powder) — the red colour of the tika
- Dahi (yoghurt) — plain, full-fat yoghurt
- Akshata (raw rice) — uncooked rice grains mixed into the tika
For the Puja setup:
- Jamara — barley grass grown over 9 days (start growing on Ghatasthapana)
- Flowers — marigolds (saayapatri) are traditional
- Incense sticks (agarbatti)
- Diyo (oil lamp)
- Puja thali — a plate to arrange all puja items
- Panchamrit — mixture of milk, yoghurt, honey, ghee and sugar for ritual purification
For the feast after Tika:
- Khasi Ko Masu (goat curry) — the centrepiece of Dashain
- Sel Roti
- Chiura (beaten rice)
- Achar (pickles)
Shop all Dashain essentials at MasalaMart Dashain Collection. Free UK delivery on orders over £50. Use code FESTIVAL10 for 10% off.
How to Perform Dashain Tika
Step 1 — Prepare the Tika mixture
Mix red vermillion powder with a small amount of plain yoghurt until you get a thick, smooth paste. Add a few grains of raw rice (akshata) into the mixture. The tika should be thick enough to apply clearly to the forehead.
Step 2 — Set up the Puja thali
Arrange your puja thali with the tika mixture, jamara, flowers, diyo and incense. Light the diyo and incense before beginning.
Step 3 — The blessing
The eldest member of the family applies the tika to the foreheads of younger members, starting from the eldest child downwards. Along with the tika, jamara is placed behind the ears. The elder offers blessings (ashirbad) in the form of words, gifts (dakshina), and the tika itself.
Step 4 — The feast
After receiving tika, families gather to share the Dashain feast — traditionally featuring Khasi Ko Masu, Sel Roti, Chiura, and Achar.
Dashain Tika in the UK — Tips for Celebrating Away from Home
- Start Jamara early — plant barley seeds on Ghatasthapana (the first day of Dashain, 9 days before Vijaya Dashami) in a clay pot or container at home
- Join your local Nepali community — many Nepali communities across the UK hold community Dashain Tika events. Check Facebook groups for your city
- Video call family back home — many UK Nepalis receive virtual tika blessings from elders in Nepal via video call on Vijaya Dashami morning
- Order your puja items in advance — MasalaMart stocks Dashain essentials with UK-wide delivery. Order at least 3-4 days before Vijaya Dashami to ensure delivery in time
When is Dashain Tika 2026?
In 2026, Vijaya Dashami (Dashain Tika day) falls on Wednesday, 14 October 2026. This is the most auspicious day of the festival — the day families reunite and elders give their blessings.
Plan ahead and order your Dashain groceries and puja items from MasalaMart before 10 October to ensure delivery in time.
Where to Buy Dashain Tika Ingredients in the UK
MasalaMart is the UK's dedicated Nepali and South Asian grocery store, stocking everything you need for Dashain:
- Khasi Ko Masu (Goat Curry Cut) — £13.99
- Chiura (Beaten Rice) — from £3.99
- Sel Roti ingredients — rice flour, ghee, sugar
- Achar (Timur Ko Chhop, Radish Achar)
- Incense, spices, and puja essentials
- Free UK delivery on orders over £50
- Use code FESTIVAL10 for 10% off orders of £50+
Shop the full Dashain collection at MasalaMart →
Frequently Asked Questions
What colour is Dashain Tika?
Dashain Tika is bright red — made from vermillion (sindoor/abir) mixed with yoghurt and rice. The red colour represents the blessing of Goddess Durga.
What is Jamara in Dashain?
Jamara is barley grass grown over the 9 days of Dashain from Ghatasthapana. It is placed behind the ears along with the tika as a symbol of prosperity and the blessing of the goddess.
Can I celebrate Dashain Tika in the UK?
Absolutely. Many Nepali families across the UK celebrate Dashain Tika at home with family. You can also join community events organised by local Nepali associations in cities like London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds and Cardiff.
When should I order Dashain groceries in the UK?
Order at least 3–5 days before Vijaya Dashami (14 October 2026) to ensure delivery. MasalaMart offers 2–4 working day UK-wide delivery with free shipping on orders over £50.
What food is eaten on Dashain Tika day?
The traditional Dashain feast centres on Khasi Ko Masu (goat curry), served with rice, Sel Roti, Chiura, and Achar. It is the most celebrated meal of the Nepali calendar.