The International Panchang Decision Committee has announced that Vijaya Dashami in Australia will be observed on October 13, 2024 (Ashoj 27, 2081 BS). A statement from the committee clarifies that, based on local dates and times, the auspicious day for receiving Tika in Australia will differ from the dates in Nepal.
The committee issued a press release in response to differences noted between the ‘Bhaskar Nepali Panchang,’ published by the Vedic Council of Australia, and the traditional Nepali Panchang. The statement, signed by Chairperson Prof. Dr. Madhav Bhattarai and Secretary Laxman Panthi, emphasizes the importance of observing festivals according to the local time and tithi (Hindu lunar date) as dictated by religious scriptures.
In Australia, the Dashami tithi, which marks the auspicious day for Vijaya Dashami, begins on October 13, 2024 (Ashoj 27). Therefore, Dashain Tika should be received on this day. In contrast, in Nepal, the Dashami tithi will start on October 12, 2024 (Ashoj 26) and will not be present on October 13, 2024. As a result, Nepalese will celebrate Vijaya Dashami on Ashwin 26 (October 12).
The committee also clarified that the Shravan Nakshatra, often associated with the festival, is not the determining factor for Vijaya Dashami; the tithi is the key element. Thus, the Tika ceremony should be observed in Australia on October 13 and in Nepal on October 12.
Similarly, Laxmi Puja will also be observed on different dates in Australia and Nepal. In Australia, Lakshmi Puja will take place on November 1, 2024 (Kartik 16, 2081 BS), while in Nepal, it will be celebrated on October 31, 2024 (Kartik 15, 2081 BS) due to differences in the lunar calendar.
Countries like Australia, with significant populations of Nepali and Indian followers of Sanatan Vedic Hinduism, celebrate festivals such as Dashain and Tihar with great enthusiasm. The committee was formed to resolve discrepancies in festival dates based on local tithis, as part of the World Astrology Federation’s broader efforts to harmonize religious observances globally.
