Raksha Bandhan 2026

Raksha Bandhan falls on the Purnima of Shravana month and celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. The sister ties a rakhi (a sacred thread, often ornamental) on her brother's wrist, symbolising her love and prayers for his well-being, while the brother pledges to protect her. The exchange of sweets and gifts follows the tying ceremony.

The festival has deep Puranic and historical roots. In one tradition, Draupadi tied a strip of cloth from her sari on Krishna's wounded wrist, and he pledged to protect her — a vow he fulfilled during the Vastraharan episode. Historically, Rajput queens sent rakhis to neighbouring kings as a plea for alliance and protection. The thread symbolises not just familial love but the broader Vedic principle of mutual duty and protection.

The panchang is crucial for determining the correct muhurat for tying the rakhi. The Purnima tithi should prevail during the Aparahna kala (afternoon), and the Bhadra period must be strictly avoided. Bhadra — an inauspicious segment within Purnima — is considered especially harmful for Raksha Bandhan. If Bhadra extends through the afternoon, the ceremony is deferred to the evening after Bhadra ends. This makes panchang consultation indispensable for the festival.

The day also holds significance as Shravani Purnima, when Brahmins perform the Upakarma ceremony — changing the sacred thread (yajnopavita) and renewing their commitment to Vedic study. In coastal regions, it coincides with Narali Purnima, when fishermen offer coconuts to the sea.