Rakhi 2026 - Date, timing and significance of the brothers and sisters festival.
Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi) is a Hindu festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. The sister ties a sacred thread (rakhi) on her brother's wrist, praying for his long life and prosperity. The brother vows to protect his sister and gives gifts.
Rakhi should ideally be tied during the aparahna (afternoon) period, avoiding Bhadra Kaal. Bhadra is inauspicious and occurs in the first part of Purnima.
In 2026, check a local panchang for exact Bhadra end time and auspicious muhurat window for your city.
| Year | Raksha Bandhan Date | Day | Tithi |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 19 Aug 2024 | Mon | Shravana Purnima |
| 2025 | 09 Aug 2025 | Sat | Shravana Purnima |
| 2026 | 28 Aug 2026 | Fri | Shravana Purnima |
| 2027 | 17 Aug 2027 | Tue | Shravana Purnima |
| 2028 | 06 Aug 2028 | Sun | Shravana Purnima |
| 2029 | 25 Aug 2029 | Sat | Shravana Purnima |
| 2030 | 14 Aug 2030 | Wed | Shravana Purnima |
Raksha Bandhan is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in North India, observed on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Hindu month of Shravana, typically falling in July or August. The festival celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters: a sister ties a rakhi (sacred thread) on her brother's wrist, symbolising her prayers for his well-being, and the brother pledges to protect her. In 2025, Raksha Bandhan falls on August 9. The festival is a public holiday in several states including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
The tradition has ancient origins, with references found in the Mahabharata - Draupadi is said to have tied a cloth around Krishna's wrist to stop a wound, and Krishna protected her in return. Historically, queens tied rakhis on neighbouring rulers seeking protection. Today, Raksha Bandhan transcends religious lines in many regions. The festival is also significant for the Jain community, observed as Saluno or Rakhi Purnima. India's postal department receives millions of rakhi parcels every year as families send rakhis to relatives across the country and abroad.
The auspicious muhurat for tying the rakhi depends on the exact Purnima tithi timings, which vary each year. This tool lists verified Raksha Bandhan dates from 2024 onwards based on the Hindu Panchang, helping families plan celebrations and travel in advance.