KATHMANDU: People thronged the Balgopaleshwar Temple to receive tika and pay homage to god Balgopaleshwar on the occasion of the Bhaitika festival today.

This temple, located in the middle of Ranipokhari pond in the city centre, is opened for devotees only on the day of Bhaitika, the last day of the five-day Yamapanchak or Tihar festivities. Tihar is the second biggest festival of Nepal.

The temple opened early in the morning for devotees to pay homage and receive tika. Devotees can offer worship at the temple from morning till evening, according to Bhim Koirala, the priest of the temple.

He said around 1,500 devotees have visited the temple till the 2.30 pm today.

Sisters without brothers and brothers without sisters visit Balagopaleshwar temple to receive tika and pay homage on the occasion of Bhaitika.