In Hinduism, the festival of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated with great enthusiasm; it is primarily regarded as a celebration of the love and affection shared between brothers and sisters.

On this occasion, sisters tie a *Rakhi* on their brothers' wrists and pray for their happiness and prosperity, while brothers pledge to protect their sisters and stand by them through both good times and bad. This festival is observed annually on the full moon day (*Purnima*) of the month of *Sawan* (Shravan).

This year, a lunar eclipse coincides with the full moon day of *Sawan*, leading to some uncertainty regarding the exact date of the festival. Due to the lunar eclipse, people are wondering whether Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on August 27 or August 28. Let us inform you about the correct date for Raksha Bandhan this year, the auspicious time (*Muhurat*) for the ritual, and the timing of the *Bhadra* period.

When is Raksha Bandhan 2026?
According to the Hindu calendar, the full moon day (*Purnima*) of the *Shukla Paksha* (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of *Shravan* falls on August 28 this year.
Start of *Sawan Purnima*: August 27, 2026, at 9:08 AM.
End of *Sawan Purnima*: August 28 at 9:48 AM.
Based on the *Udaya Tithi* (the sunrise date), celebrating Raksha Bandhan on August 28 is considered auspicious.

What is the auspicious time for tying the *Rakhi*?
The most auspicious time (*Muhurat*) for tying the *Rakhi* on Raksha Bandhan is from 6:23 AM to 9:48 AM on August 28. If you are unable to tie the *Rakhi* during this period, it can also be tied during the *Abhijit Muhurat*. This *Muhurat* lasts from 12:14 PM to 1:05 PM on August 28.

What is the timing of the *Bhadra Kaal* on Raksha Bandhan?
The festival of Raksha Bandhan is always celebrated at a time when the *Bhadra* period is not in effect. This year, Bhadra prevails from 9:08 AM to 9:32 PM on August 27. Consequently, on the main day of Raksha Bandhan—August 28—there is no shadow of Bhadra throughout the day.

**Shadow of a Lunar Eclipse on Raksha Bandhan**
This year, a lunar eclipse coincides with Raksha Bandhan. On Friday, August 28, 2026, the Moon will pass almost entirely into the Earth's shadow. However, as it will be a partial lunar eclipse and invisible from India, the *Sutak* period (inauspicious time) is not applicable.

In Hinduism, the *Sutak* associated with a lunar eclipse is observed only when the eclipse is fully visible. Its impact and the *Sutak* rules apply only in the regions where the eclipse can be seen. Since the eclipse occurring on Raksha Bandhan is not visible in India, it will have no adverse effect on the festival.

You too can celebrate the festival of Rakhi according to the auspicious timings mentioned here and strengthen the unbreakable bond between siblings.

PC Social Media