His Majesty The King granted Dashain Tika to representatives of the Hindu Community of Bhutan at the Devi Panchayan Mandir in Thimphu on Monday, October 26. Tika imbued with Royal blessings were sent to other dzongkhags for the people across the country. His Majesty offered prayers to the goddess Durga at the Mandir.

Dashain is the most important festival for the Hindu community in Bhutan. On Dashain, families come together to receive Tika from the head of the family, as a symbol of their blessings and protection. It celebrates the Dharma King Rama’s victory over evil, by invoking the blessings of goddess Durga. Hindus believe that His Majesty, as the Dharma King, is an embodiment of Vishnu, as was King Rama.