Raksha Bandhan 2026 — Friday, 28 August 2026
Raksha Bandhan, also called Rakhi, is the Hindu festival celebrating the sacred bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters tie a protective thread (rakhi) on their brothers' wrists, who in turn vow to protect them.
When is Raksha Bandhan 2026?
Raksha Bandhan 2026 falls on Friday, 28 August 2026.
- Date: 28 August 2026
- Tithi: Shravana Purnima (Shukla Pournami)
- Nakshatra: Shatabhisha
- Sun Rashi: Simha (Leo)
- Masa: Shravana Masam
- Presiding Deity: Vishnu / Hari (sister tying rakhi for brother's protection)
Significance
Raksha Bandhan literally means "the bond (bandhan) of protection (raksha)". The festival has deep roots in Hindu mythology — when Draupadi tore a piece of her saree to bandage Lord Krishna's bleeding finger, he vowed eternal protection (later fulfilled during her vastraharan in the Kaurava court). Similarly, Goddess Lakshmi tied a rakhi to King Bali to free her husband Vishnu. The festival celebrates not just sibling love but the universal principle of protection of the vulnerable.
Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step)
- Wake up early, bathe, and wear clean traditional attire.
- Set up a puja thali with rakhi, kumkum, akshat (rice), diya, sweets, and a coconut.
- Sister applies tilak on the brother's forehead with kumkum and akshat.
- Light the diya and perform aarti for the brother.
- Tie the rakhi on the brother's right wrist while chanting the protective mantra.
- Offer sweets and exchange gifts.
- Brother gives blessings and a gift in return (cash, jewelry, or a meaningful item).
- Pray together for the brother's long life and well-being.
Auspicious Muhurat & Timings
Auspicious muhurat for tying rakhi: from sunrise (about 5:57 AM) to 9:48 AM IST, when Shravana Purnima ends. Bhadra is over before sunrise on 28 August 2026, so the entire morning window is clear. Purnima runs from 9:08 AM on 27 August to 9:48 AM on 28 August.
Mantras
येन बद्धो बली राजा दानवेन्द्रो महाबलः। तेन त्वामभिबध्नामि रक्षे माचल माचल॥
I tie on you the rakhi with which the great king Bali, lord of the demons, was bound. May you be ever protected and never falter.
✓ Do's
- Tie rakhi within the Purnima window — sunrise to 9:48 AM IST.
- Use a clean, new rakhi — preferably with sacred symbols (Om, Swastik, Ganesha).
- Apply tilak with rice grains (akshat) for shubh — never with broken grains.
- Perform aarti before tying the rakhi.
- Brother gives a gift, however small, as a token of protection.
✗ Don'ts
- Don't tie rakhi after 9:48 AM IST — Shravana Purnima has ended by then.
- Don't use black or torn thread.
- Don't tie rakhi with the left hand or on the left wrist.
- Avoid arguments or harsh words on this sacred day.
- Don't neglect sisters who can't be physically present — send rakhi by post or video call.
Frequently Asked Questions
What date is Raksha Bandhan in 2026?
Raksha Bandhan 2026 falls on Friday, 28 August 2026 — the day of Shravana Purnima (full moon of the Shravana month).
What is the rakhi tying muhurat for 2026?
The rakhi window runs from sunrise (about 5:57 AM) to 9:48 AM IST on 28 August 2026, the moment Shravana Purnima ends. Bhadra is over before sunrise that morning, so no part of the window falls in Bhadra Kaal — but the window closes at 9:48 AM, so tie the rakhi early.
Why is Bhadra Kaal avoided for Raksha Bandhan?
Bhadra is presided over by Shani's sister, and her time is inauspicious for protective rituals. Per Dharmasindhu and Nirnaya Sindhu texts, any auspicious bandhan (binding) ceremony performed during Bhadra is said to bring harm instead of protection.
Can sisters tie rakhi to multiple brothers?
Yes — sisters can tie rakhi to all brothers (biological, cousins, and even those they consider as brothers). There is no limit. Each brother's rakhi should ideally be tied during the auspicious muhurat.
Dates computed using Lahiri (Chitra-paksha) ayanamsa for Hyderabad reference longitude. Other locations may differ by 1-2 hours for tithi start/end timings. For your specific city, use our Today's Panchangam tool.