Raksha Bandhan

When is Raksha Bandhan?

The Raksha Bandhan festival falls on the Shravana Purnima (a Full Moon day). The Raksha Bandhan 2026 Muhurat Time is as follows:

• Tithi Begins - 09:08 AM on Aug 27, 2026
• Tithi Ends - 09:48 AM on Aug 28, 2026
• Raksha Bandhan Thread Ceremony Time - 05:57 AM to 09:48 AM, Aug 28, 2026

What are Raksha Bandhan Rituals?

The following are step-wise Raksha Bandhan rituals, celebrated every year, also called Rakhi Puja Vidhi:

• Rakhi Tying: The central Raksha Bandhan Muhurat time is the tying of a sacred thread, known as a rakhi, around the brother's wrist by the sister. This symbolises the sister's love and protection for her brother and her prayer for his safety.
• Aarti: A traditional Hindu ceremony, Aarti is performed to honour the brother and ask for his well-being. The sister lights a lamp and performs aarti while singing prayers and hymns in his honour.
• Exchange of Gifts: Brothers and sisters share gifts amongst themselves to celebrate their love and gratefulness for each other. Sisters may receive gifts such as sweets, money, or jewellery from their brothers, while brothers may receive gifts such as clothes from their sisters.
• Food and Celebrations: Raksha Bandhan is a time for families to come together and enjoy a meal. Traditional sweets such as peda, burfi, and laddoo are prepared and shared among family members.

Is there a Mantra for tying Rakhi?

Yes, sisters traditionally recite a specific mantra while tying the rakhi:

"येन बद्धो बलि: राजा दानवेन्द्रो महाबल:!
तेन त्वामभिबध्नामि रक्षे मा चल मा चल !!"

"Yen Baddho Bali: Raja Danavendro Mahabal:!
Ten Tvambhibhadhnami Rakshe Ma Chal Ma Chal!!"

Meaning: "The protective thread which was tied to the extremely benevolent King Bali, I tie the same sacred thread on your wrist, which will protect you from all adversities forever".

What is Raksha Bandhan Importance?

On this day, sisters tie a rakhi around their brothers' wrists, symbolising their love and protection. Brothers pledge to protect their sisters and shower them with gifts and love. Therefore, Raksha Bandhan is a significant Hindu festival celebrated with great joy and devotion.

The festival provides an opportunity for families to come together, reinforce cultural values, and celebrate the bond of love and protection between brothers and sisters. The Raksha Bandhan importance reminds us of the value of love, protection, and care in familial relationships and the value of maintaining strong family ties.

What is the history behind Raksha Bandhan?

The story of Raksha Bandhan has its roots in Hindu mythology. It has been passed down from generation to generation.

The Tale Of Lord Krishna & His Sister Subhadra

According to Hindu legend, the festival was started to commemorate and celebrate the love and protection offered by Lord Krishna to his sister, Subhadra.

Subhadra was a young girl worried about her brother, Lord Krishna, who was going to war. She wanted to protect him and ensure his safety, so she tied a sacred thread around his wrist, a rakhi band.

This gesture symbolised her love and protection for her brother and her prayer for his safety. Lord Krishna was touched by his sister's love and always pledged to protect her.

Since then, it has become a central part of Hindu mythology and is celebrated as a reminder of the bond of love and protection between brothers and sisters.

The Tale of Lord Krishna and Draupadi

The story of Krishna and Draupadi is a foundational tale for Raksha Bandhan, symbolising a bond of unconditional protection. When Krishna's finger got injured in a battle, Draupadi tore her saree to bandage it, asking Krishna to vow her eternal protection.

Later, during the infamous event where the Kauravas tried to dishonour Draupadi in the royal court by disrobing her, she cried out to Krishna for help.

Krishna, true to his promise, miraculously extended her saree endlessly, ensuring her modesty was preserved, fulfilling the bond established by her small act of kindness.

Lord Krishna demonstrates that this sacred bond runs even beyond blood relation, representing deep love, trust, and selfless care, making the small piece of cloth a powerful "Rakhi".

How is Raksha Bandhan Celebrated in India?

The Raksha Bandhan time is celebrated with great joy and devotion in different parts of India. The customs and traditions may vary from region to region, but the underlying message remains the same.

North India

In the northern part of India, such as Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi, Raksha Bandhan is one of the major festivals. On this day, sisters visit their brothers and tie a rakhi band on their wrists, symbolising their love and protection. Brothers, in return, give gifts and sweets to their sisters.

West India

In places like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, Raksha Bandhan time is an elaborate celebration. In these states, the festival is known as "Nariyal Purnima" and is marked by eating sweet coconut rice and performing rituals.

East India

In East India, particularly in West Bengal and Odisha states, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated with utmost devotion. On this day, sisters pray to the gods and seek blessings for their brothers.

South India

In South India, Raksha Bandhan is known as "Avani Avittam" and is celebrated by performing puja and prayers for brothers. In Tamil Nadu, a sacred thread is tied around the wrist, symbolising the bond of love between brothers and sisters.

Central India

In Central India, particularly in Madhya Pradesh, people celebrate this festival by visiting temples and praying for the well-being of brothers.

Summary

Raksha Bandhan, or Rakhi, celebrates the brother-sister bond of love and protection. On August 28th, 2026, sisters tie a sacred thread, performing Aarti and exchanging gifts. Rooted in the Lord Krishna-Subhadra tale, it reinforces family ties with diverse regional celebrations across India, from North to South.

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