Receiving Dashain Tika from an Elder at a Family Home
A short Nepali dialogue at a Nepali family's Dashain celebration — kneeling for tika, the elder's 'Ayushman bhava' blessing, the dakshina envelope, and the warm acknowledgment.
The situation
A family living-room in Kathmandu, the tenth day of Dashain (Vijaya Dashami). Your host's grandmother is seated cross-legged in front of a plate of rice, vermillion, yogurt, and barley shoots (jamara). You're a guest invited to receive tika. The moment requires kneeling and silence — and then a small exchange.
The dialogue
Tourist
Hajurama, namaste. Happy Dashain.
, । ।
Hajurāmā, namaste. Dashai̱ko shubhakāmnā.
Elder
Come, child. Kneel here. May you have long life and success.
, । । , ।
Āu, nānī. Yahā̱ ghu̱ḍā ṭeknuhos. Āyush hos, saphalatā hos.
Elder
(applies tika to forehead, places jamara on head, gives envelope) This is dakshina for you.
( , , ) ।
(Ṭīkā lagāidinchhin, jamarā rākhchhin, khām dinchhin) Yo tapā̱īko lāgi dakṣiṇā ho.
Tourist
Thank you, hajurama — I received your blessing.
, — ।
Dhanyabād, hajurāmā — maile tapā̱īko āshīrvād pāe̱.
Elder
Eat dinner with us. Today is for family.
। ।
Hāmīsa̱ga belukāko khānā khānuhos. Ājko din parivārko lāgi ho.
Comprehension check
Three quick questions to test what you heard. No pressure, no streaks.
Cultural notes
Kneel or bow your head for Dashain tika — never receive it standing eye-to-eye with the elder. The vertical hierarchy is the entire point of the ritual.
The elder blesses first ('āyush hos, saphalatā hos') and applies tika; the receiver acknowledges only after the blessing is complete. Don't interrupt the prayer.
Dakshina envelopes typically contain NPR 11, 21, 51, 101, 501 — odd amounts ending in 1 are auspicious. Don't open it in front of the elder.
If you receive tika, eat at the family table that evening. Refusing the meal after accepting the blessing is socially awkward — the two go together.
Phrases from this dialogue
Each phrase as a stand-alone reference — open for the full pronunciation and cultural context.
Photo: Unsplash
दशैंको शुभकामना
Happy Dashain — Dashain ko shubhakamna
Dashai̱ko shubhakāmnā
धन्यवाद — मैले तपाईंको आशीर्वाद पाएँ
Thank you — I received your blessing
Dhanyabād — maile tapā̱īko āshīrvād pāe̱
आयुष होस्, सफलता होस्
May you have long life and success
Āyush hos, saphalatā hos
Photo: Unsplash
शुभ दशैं
Happy Dashain
Shubha Dashai̱
हजुरलाई पनि शुभकामना
Wishing you the same — festival greeting response
Hajurlāī pani shubhakāmnā