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Hey everyone! Dashain is just around the corner, and I can't contain my excitement! This year, the most special moment - our Bijaya Dashami Tika - is set for 26th Ashoj 2081 (that's October 12, 2024, for those who use the English calendar). The luckiest time to get our tika is at 11:36 AM. How cool is that? Last Dashain is still so vivid in my mind. I remember waking up to the sweet smell of sel roti wafting through the house. Mom was already in the kitchen, her hands working magic as she dropped the dough into hot oil. The sizzle and pop of frying sel roti is a sound that always takes me right back to childhood. I spent the morning with my cousins, flying kites from the rooftop. We laughed so hard as we tried to outdo each other, our kites dancing in the sky. I still remember the feeling of the string cutting into my fingers and the rush of joy when my kite soared higher than the others. When it was time for the tika, I put on my new clothes, feeling a mix of excitement and reverence. As I walked into the room where my elders were seated, my heart was pounding. Grandpa's eyes twinkled as he called me over. His hands were shaky but so gentle as he placed the tika on my forehead. The cool touch of the rice grains and the vibrant red color always gives me goosebumps. I'll never forget how Grandma slipped extra dakshina into my hand with a conspiratorial wink. "Our little secret," she whispered, making me feel so special. These small moments are what make Dashain truly magical. After the tika, we had the biggest feast ever! We all sat cross-legged on the floor, our plates overflowing with delicious food. I stuffed myself with momo and sel roti, laughing at Dad's terrible jokes and listening to Grandpa's stories of Dashains long past. It felt like time stood still, like nothing existed outside our little bubble of happiness. This year, knowing the exact auspicious time for tika makes it even more thrilling. I can just imagine all of us across Nepal, receiving our blessings at the same moment. It's like we're all connected by an invisible thread of tradition and love. I'm already planning what to wear and dreaming about all the mouth-watering food. But more than anything, I'm looking forward to those precious moments with family - the stories, the laughter, and the feeling of being part of something bigger than myself. So, mark your calendars for October 12, 2024, at 11:36 AM. That's when the magic happens! I'm counting down the days, and I bet you are too. Let's make this Dashain unforgettable! What's your favorite Dashain memory? Share in the comments - I'd love to hear your stories!