Raksha Bandhan 2026 Date: Every year, the festival of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country on the full moon day (Purnima) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the Shravan month. Markets come alive with activity on this occasion, offering a wide variety of Rakhis and sweets, while households begin preparations as well.
The day that sisters eagerly await all year long is now fast approaching; in 2026, Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on August 28. This year’s festival is particularly significant as it coincides with a lunar eclipse and falls under the shadow of ‘Panchak’.
According to the Panchang (Hindu almanack), Shravan Purnima begins at 9:09 AM on August 27, 2026, and concludes at 9:48 AM on August 28. Consequently, many people are wondering whether the Rakhi ceremony can still be performed after the Purnima tithi ends. Let us look at the auspicious timings (Shubh Muhurat) for tying the Rakhi.
Raksha Bandhan 2026 Shubh Muhurat
According to Drik Panchang, the most auspicious time to tie the Rakhi on August 28 is between 5:57 AM and 9:48 AM.
Scriptures say Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on Shravan Purnima, which ends at 9:48 AM on August 28. You can tie the Rakhi to your brother anytime during the day without worry; just avoid the periods of Bhadra and Rahu Kaal.
Amrit Choghadiya: 6:08 AM to 10:53 AM
Abhijit Muhurat: 12:04 PM to 12:53 PM
Shubh Choghadiya: 12:28 PM to 2:03 PM
Aparahna Kaal (Afternoon Period): 1:44 PM to 4:16 PM
Char Choghadiya: 5:13 PM to 6:48 PM
Raksha Bandhan 2026 Rahukaal
According to Drik Panchang, Rahukaal on Raksha Bandhan (August 28) will last from 10:54 AM to 12:28 PM. Sisters should strictly avoid tying the Rakhi to their brothers during this period.
Raksha Bandhan 2026 Panchang
Panchak begins on Thursday, August 27, at 1:31 PM and ends on Tuesday, September 1, at 3:23 AM. Since it begins on a Thursday, it is not considered inauspicious like other Panchaks; performing auspicious activities during this period is considered favourable.
Raksha Bandhan Puja Rituals
First, place the puja thali (worship plate) in the home shrine. Then, worship Lord Ganesha, Lord Vishnu, and your chosen deity (Ishta Devta). Offer the first Rakhi to Lord Ganesha or Lord Krishna. Next, ensure the brother is seated on a mat (asana) facing either the East or the North, with a handkerchief or cloth placed on his head.
The sister should apply a tilak of kumkum or roli on the brother’s forehead and place akshat (unbroken rice grains) over it. Tie the Raksha-sutra (sacred thread) on the brother’s right wrist with good intentions. Perform Aarti with a lamp to ward off the evil eye, then offer sweets to sweeten his mouth. Finally, seek blessings by touching the feet of elders (or by the brother and sister touching each other’s feet).