Raksha Bandhan 2026: The auspicious festival of Raksha Bandhan is being celebrated across the country on August 28, 2026. Dedicated to the bond of love between siblings, this festival coincides with several auspicious alignments. However, the last lunar eclipse of the year is also set to occur on this very day. In Hinduism, an eclipse is considered an inauspicious period. It is believed that one should refrain from performing auspicious activities—ranging from tying the Rakhi to conducting religious rituals—during this time. Given this, it is important to know whether this lunar eclipse will affect India and if the timing for the Rakhi ceremony needs to be altered. Let us explore this in detail.

Will the eclipse affect Raksha Bandhan?

This year, Raksha Bandhan is being celebrated on Friday, August 28, 2026. On this day, the lunar eclipse will begin at 6:53 AM and conclude at 12:31 PM. However, the most significant point is that this final lunar eclipse of the year will not be visible in India. Consequently, no specific eclipse-related rules or *Sutak* (inauspicious period) restrictions will apply. The festival of Raksha Bandhan can be celebrated normally across the country without any hindrance.
Know the timings: When will the lunar eclipse end and when will the *Sutak* period begin on Raksha Bandhan?

Rahu Kaal Timing

On Raksha Bandhan, *Rahu Kaal* will last from 10:31 AM to 12:07 PM. Therefore, you may tie the Rakhi to your brother before 10:31 AM.

Three Auspicious Timings (*Muhurats*) for Raksha Bandhan 2026

The auspicious time for tying the Rakhi on August 28 is from 5:57 AM to 9:48 AM.
Second: From 7:33 AM to 9:10 AM.
Third: From 9:10 AM to 10:46 AM. 

Daytime Choghadiya

Char: 5:58 AM to 7:31 AM
Labh: 7:31 AM to 9:04 AM
Amrit: 9:04 AM to 10:37 AM
Kaal: 10:37 AM to 12:10 PM
Shubh: 12:10 PM to 1:43 PM
Rog: 1:43 PM to 3:16 PM
Udveg: 3:16 PM to 4:49 PM
Char: 4:49 PM to 6:23 PM

Nighttime Choghadiya
Rog: 6:23 PM to 7:57 PM
Kaal: 7:57 PM to 9:30 PM
Labh: 9:30 PM to 11:04 PM
Udveg: 11:04 PM to 12:37 AM
Shubh: 12:37 AM to 2:11 AM
Amrit: 2:11 AM to 3:44 AM
Char: 3:44 AM to 5:18 AM
Rog: 5:18 AM to 5:58 AM

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