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क्षण भर प्रतीक्षा करें
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क्षण भर प्रतीक्षा करें
Shravan • Shukla Paksha • Purnima
The sacred thread of protection — sisters tie rakhi on brothers' wrists in a vow of mutual love and lifelong protection.
Date for this festival is not yet available. Please check back later.
Raksha Bandhan transcends biological siblinghood — sisters tie rakhi on cousin brothers, neighbours, soldiers at the border (BSF/Army receives lakhs of rakhis), and Brahmins. The Sanskrit name 'Rakshabandhan' means 'bond of protection' — and the modern festival has expanded into a celebration of all protective relationships. Married sisters traditionally return to their parental home for rakhi, making it a sibling reunion day.
Multiple traditions converge on Raksha Bandhan. The Bhagavata records that when Krishna's hand bled while flying the Sudarshan Chakra, Draupadi tore her sari border to bandage it — Krishna later vowed lifetime protection, fulfilled at her vastraharan. Yama, on his sister Yamuna's insistence, declared brothers tied a thread by their sisters become immortal — making Raksha Bandhan a 'Janeu' (sacred-thread) day. Historically, Rajput queens sent rakhis to neighbouring kings (including Mughal emperor Humayun) requesting military aid — making rakhi a political-protection symbol too.
Presiding Deity:Vishnu
Sister prepares the rakhi thali: roli (kumkum), akshat (rice), diya, sweets, the rakhi (sacred thread), and a small gift.
Brother sits facing east; sister applies tilak (roli + akshat) on his forehead, performs aarti, ties the rakhi on his right wrist, and feeds him a sweet.
Recite 'Yena baddho Bali raja...' mantra while tying — the same mantra Vamana invoked while tying a thread to Bali, granting the thread its 'unbreakable protection' power.
Brother gives a gift (cash, ornament, gift item) — a token of his rakshan-vrata, the vow of protection.
Hindu Brahmins perform Janeu (Yajnopavita) renewal — old sacred thread is replaced with a new one, with mantras at the riverbank.
Family meal — typically vegetarian feast with sister's favourite dishes prepared by the brother's home.
If brother is far away, sisters now send rakhis by post or e-rakhi videos — distance does not break the bond.
When is Raksha Bandhan in 2026?
Raksha Bandhan 2026 is on TBA — Shravan Purnima. The Bhadra-free window in the afternoon is the muhurat — confirm exact timing in your local panchang.
Why is Bhadra avoided for tying rakhi?
Bhadra is the sister of Shani, considered an inauspicious half-tithi (Vishti Karana). The shastras explicitly warn that rakhi tied during Bhadra brings misfortune to the brother — Ravana's sister Shurpanakha is said to have tied his rakhi in Bhadra, leading to his destruction. Hence the strict prohibition.
Can a married sister tie rakhi to her husband?
No — Raksha Bandhan is specifically a bhai-behen (brother-sister) bond. Husband-wife relationship has its own pratiks (mangalsutra, sindoor). However, a wife may tie a 'lumba' (special rakhi) to her sister-in-law (nanad) on the same day, which is increasingly common in many traditions.
Until when should the rakhi be worn?
Tradition says wear it for at least the day of Raksha Bandhan; many wear until it falls off naturally, until Janmashtami (10 days later), or until Ananta Chaturdashi. When removing, place the rakhi in flowing water or under a tree — never throw in the trash.
Is Raksha Bandhan only a Hindu festival?
Primarily Hindu, but observed by Sikhs and many Jains. Historically, Hindu queens have tied rakhis on Mughal emperors (Karnavati to Humayun is the famous example), making it culturally pan-Indian. Today's secular India sees Raksha Bandhan celebrated regardless of religion in offices, military units, and mixed-faith neighbourhoods.
Krishna Janmashtami
The midnight birth of Lord Krishna in the prison of Mathura — celebrated with bhajan, dahi-handi and Nishita puja.
Ganesh Chaturthi
The 10-day arrival of Lord Ganesha — the remover of obstacles — into homes and pandals across India.
Akshaya Tritiya
The day whose virtue never diminishes — most auspicious for new beginnings, gold purchase, and charity.
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This page updates automatically every year.