Raksha Bandhan 2026 Date: Does the festival of Raksha Bandhan fall on August 27 or August 28 this year? This question arises because the *Shravan Purnima* (full moon) date—essential for Raksha Bandhan—spans both days; however, the year's final lunar eclipse also occurs on August 28. This has caused confusion regarding the correct day to celebrate Raksha Bandhan. To determine this, one must consult the *Panchang* (Hindu almanac) to understand the timing of *Shravan Purnima*, the lunar eclipse, and the auspicious time (*Muhurat*) for tying the *Rakhi*.

Raksha Bandhan: August 27 or 28?
First, let us look at the *Panchang* to determine the duration of *Shravan Purnima*. The *Shravan Purnima* date begins at 9:08 AM on August 27 and ends at 9:48 AM on August 28.
While *Shravan Purnima* covers both August 27 and 28, the scriptures dictate that Raksha Bandhan should be celebrated on the *Shravan Purnima* day that includes sunrise, and during a *Muhurat* free from *Bhadra* (an inauspicious period).

According to the *Panchang*, *Bhadra* begins at the same time as *Shravan Purnima* on August 27 and concludes at 9:32 PM. Initially, *Bhadra* resides in *Patal Loka* (the netherworld) from 9:08 AM to 1:35 PM; subsequently, it shifts to Earth from 1:35 PM to 9:32 PM. Consequently, celebrating Raksha Bandhan on August 27 is out of the question.

Based on *Udaya Tithi* (the lunar day prevailing at sunrise), *Shravan Purnima* falls on Friday, August 28; the festival of Raksha Bandhan—along with rituals such as bathing, charity, and prayers—will be observed on this day. The date is now settled, but what about the final lunar eclipse?

Will the lunar eclipse affect Raksha Bandhan?
The year's final lunar eclipse occurs on the day of Raksha Bandhan, but it will have no impact on the festival itself. Since this lunar eclipse will not be visible in India, the *Sutak* period (a period of inauspiciousness associated with the eclipse) will not apply. With no *Sutak* period in effect, there is no issue in celebrating the festival of Raksha Bandhan. The lunar eclipse will begin at 6:55 AM, and the eclipse will conclude (reach *Moksha*) at 12:30 PM.

What is the auspicious time (*Muhurat*) for tying the Rakhi?
On August 28, the auspicious time for tying the Rakhi will begin at sunrise. *Shravan Purnima* prevails throughout the day, as the Hindu calendar considers the date at sunrise to be valid for the entire day. Therefore, you can celebrate Raksha Bandhan throughout the day on August 28 without any confusion. Just ensure you do not tie the Rakhi during *Rahu Kaal*. On that day, *Rahu Kaal* falls between 10:46 AM and 12:22 PM.

On Raksha Bandhan, the *Brahma Muhurat* is from 4:28 AM to 5:12 AM, while the *Abhijit Muhurat* will last from 11:56 AM to 12:48 PM.

PC Social Media