Raksha Bandhan, the most cherished Hindu festival, is one that celebrates the love and trust of brothers and sisters. And every year millions of families in India and around the world gather for the festival with rituals, prayers, gifts and family gatherings. But as with many Hindu festivals that are set by the lunar calendar, there are times when the date of Raksha Bandhan is not clear. And in 2026, many are wondering if Rakhi should be celebrated on August 27 or August 28.
The confusion stemmed from the timing of the Purnima Tithi (Full Moon Day) and the presence of Bhadra, a period considered inauspicious to conduct the Rakhi ceremony. Raksha Bandhan is observed on Purnima Tithi of the Shravana month (Shravana month in Hindu tradition) and according to Hindu tradition. But the Rakhi thread should not be tied during Bhadra, and one of the most important things of all is the date of the ritual.
According to Drik Panchang, the Purnima Tithi begins at 9:08 AM on August 27, 2026 and ends at 9:48 AM on August 28, 2026. Since the Purnima Tithi starts on August 27, devotees who are on the Purnima fast (Purnima Vrat) will do so on that day. However, the actual Raksha Bandhan and the tying of the sacred Rakhi thread will take place on August 28, 2026, after the Bhadra period ends.
The Rakhi celebration date in the Bhadra period is one of the most important factors in determining the date of Rakhi celebration. Hindu scriptures say that Bhadra is not suitable for auspicious activities such as Raksha Bandhan rituals. Since Bhadra ends before sunrise on August 28, the devotees can perform the Rakhi ceremony during the favourable morning hours. So it is the best time to celebrate Raksha Bandhan and tie Rakhi on August 28.
The Shubh Muhurat for the Raksha Bandhan thread ceremony on 28th August, 2026 is from 5:57 AM to 9:48 AM with a duration of approximately 3 hours and 51 minutes for performing the sacred ritual. During this time, sisters can tie the Rakhi, apply tilak to their brothers’ foreheads, perform aarti and pray for their well-being and prosperity.
The auspicious Rakhi timings vary with the local sunrise time across India.
- New Delhi: 5:57 am to 9:48 am
- Mumbai: 6:23 am to 9:48 am
- Gurugram: 5:58 am to 9:48 am
- Noida: 5:56 am to 9:48 am
- Bengaluru: 6:08 am to 9:48 am
- Pune: 6:19 am to 9:48 am
- Chennai: 5:58 am to 9:48 am
- Kolkata: 5:18 am to 9:48 am
- Hyderabad: 6:01 am to 9:48 am
- Ahmedabad: 6:21 am to 9:48 am
- Jaipur: 6:04 am to 9:48 am
- Chandigarh: 5:57 am to 9:48 am
A similar time of day is also available for Pune, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Chandigarh, Gurugram and Noida.
Raksha Bandhan is more than a ritual with a sacred thread. Traditionally, a sister ties a Rakhi on her brother’s wrist and prays for his happiness and success and receives blessings and gifts in return. The brother, in turn, vows to protect and support his sister throughout life. As the festival evolved, it has evolved into the modern family with many siblings exchanging Rakhis and expressing mutual promises of care, respect and support.
Raksha Bandhan is a symbol of family ties and emotional ties. Whether it’s at a big family meeting or online in different countries, Raksha Bandhan brings families together and strengthens ties. If families are going to have the festival in 2026, the date and time of the festival should be agreed upon as correct, and the rituals should be followed in line with Hindu customs and beliefs.
