Raksha Bandhan 2026 – Festival of Sibling Bond and Protection

Full Date

28 August 2026 Morning 5:57 AM – 28 August 2026 Morning 9:48 AM

Muhurat Timings in India

• Rakhi Tying Ceremony

  On August 28, 2026, the auspicious muhurat for Rakhi tying is from 5:57 AM to 9:48 AM. Sisters begin their prayers and rituals for their brothers’ welfare during this period.

  28 August 2026 5:57 AM – 28 August 2026 9:48 AM

Introduction

Raksha Bandhan, also called Rakhi, is a beloved Indian festival celebrating the unbreakable bond between brothers and sisters. Observed on the full moon (Purnima) of Shravan, sisters tie the sacred Rakhi thread on their brothers’ wrists, wishing them prosperity, protection, and happiness.

Other Names

Rakhi, Rakhi Purnima, Saluno, Rakhri

Pooja Vidhi

• Purify the home and take a morning bath.
• Decorate a thali with Rakhi, diyas, roli, akshat, and sweets.
• Perform aarti of the brother, tie the Rakhi on his right wrist, and recite prayers.
• Offer sweets and receive gifts or blessings in return.
• Pray for mutual protection, love, and harmony in the family.

Rituals

• Sisters prepare an aarti thali with Rakhi, sweets, rice, kumkum, and diya.
• After applying tilak on the brother’s forehead, sisters tie the Rakhi on his wrist and pray for his well-being.
• Brothers offer gifts or cash and promise lifelong protection and support.
• Families exchange sweets, prepare festive meals, and perform group prayers.
• In some communities, priests tie Raksha sutra to devotees on this auspicious day.

Regional Highlights

• Called ‘Narayali Purnima’ in western coastal India, with coconut offerings to the sea.
• In central India, known as ‘Kajri Purnima’, farmers begin sowing barley and pray for a good harvest.
• Sikh communities celebrate ‘Rakhri’, tying sacred threads for protection.
• Jain followers embrace the festival as a bond of spiritual commitment.
• Families in Nepal and other South Asian cultures also celebrate with unique customs.

History

The roots of Raksha Bandhan are found in ancient Hindu traditions. Legendary tales include Draupadi tying Rakhi to Krishna and Queen Karnavati sending Rakhi to Emperor Humayun for protection. The ritual symbolizes care, duty, and familial love. Poets and reformers, like Rabindranath Tagore, used Rakhi as a symbol of unity and harmony.

Additional Information

• Raksha Bandhan is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists across India and South Asia.
• The Rakhi thread symbolizes protection, goodwill, and the promise of lifelong support.
• Raksha Bandhan reaffirms the family bond and fosters unity within society.