Raksha
Bandhan
2026

Raksha Bandhan is a festival of love and lifelong bond between every brother and sister. Sisters tie the Rakhi (ornamental thread) around the brother's right wrist and in turn, brothers vow to protect the sisters in the life. This festival is celebrated with love and happiness by every Indian family. Tying the sacred knot in the mahurat timings is very important as it is believed to protect the bond between siblings and bring prosperity in their lives.

When is Raksha Bandhan in 2026? Date, Timings & Muhurat

Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in Shravan month during the Purnima day.

Date: Friday: August 28, 2026

Purnima Tithi Begins: 09:08 AM on Aug 27, 2026

Purnima Tithi Ends: 09:48 AM on Aug 28, 2026

Raksha Bandhan Thread Ceremony Time: 05:57 AM to 09:48 AM

Duration: 03 Hours 51 Mins

Significance of Raksha Bandhan 2026

On this auspicious day, sisters tie a sacred Rakhi around brother's wrist and pray for their long life and prosperity and in turn brother commit to protect their sisters in their life from harsh times. This festival is observed to worship the love and bond between brothers and sisters which goes beyond the biological relation.

This year Raksha Bandhan holds a special significance as it falls on Friday (Shukravaar) and is connected with planet Venus (Shukra). Planet Venus is known to bring harmony, luxury and material comforts.

Raksha Bandhan Rituals

Begin the Raksha Bandhan preparations once the Bhadra period is over (time before sunrise). Below is the curated rituals that are most commonly followed in Indian homes:

• Clean and decorate the home
• Prepare the puja thali: The puja thali must contain the Rakhi, akshat (unbroken rice), kumkum or roli (vermilion), diya and sweets.
• Sister applies the Tilak on the brother's forehead and performs the aarti for the brother's longevity and prosperity
• Sister then ties the Rakhi on the right wrist of the brother's hand and offer sweets to the brother (muh meetha karna)
• After the Rakhi is tied, the brother offers a Gift or Shagun to the sister symbolizing their love and protection.
• Many families performs the aarti and listens to Raksha Bandhan Vrat Katha before starting the Raksha Bandhan ceremony.
• Sometimes, families far apart from each other. They can send the Rakhis via post and perform the rituals via a video call or even after Raksha Bandhan as well. The emotions are more important than distance.
• It is not necessary to be biological brothers and sisters to celebrate this festival. Anyone who coniders the relations equivalent to brothers and sisters and observe this festival and tie rakhis.

Regional Observances

Maharashtra & Karnataka

In parts of Maharashtra and Karnataka, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated along with Balev Traditions. Devotees offer coconuts to the see and pray for prosperity.

Gujarat & Rajasthan

In some parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan, Raksha Bandhan is also known as Lumba Rakhi.

Odisha & Chhattisgarh

In Odisha & Chhattisgarh, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated as Gamha Purnima. Along with Raksha Bandhan traditions, people organize melas, events and prayers.

Across the India, the emotions and the spirit of celebrating Raksha Bandhan remains unchanged.