Raksha Bandhan 2026 and Bhadra: The festival of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) of the month of Shravan. On this day, sisters tie *rakhis* on their brothers' wrists during an auspicious time (*muhurat*) and pray for their well-being, while brothers offer gifts and pledge to protect their sisters. While an auspicious time is essential for the ritual, people are often particularly concerned about the presence of *Bhadra* on Raksha Bandhan. Everyone wants to know if *Bhadra* will coincide with the festival. If *Bhadra* is present, the joy of the festival is dampened because the *rakhi* tying ceremony is not performed during this period. What happens if someone ties a *rakhi* during *Bhadra*? Let us first understand who *Bhadra* is.

Who is Bhadra?
According to mythological legends, *Bhadra* is the daughter of Lord Surya (the Sun God) and his wife, Chhaya. Her brother is Shani Dev, the deity of justice. Yamraj and Yamuna are also her siblings, though they were born to Surya Dev's other wife, Sangya. *Bhadra* possessed an aggressive and fierce nature from childhood and would create chaos wherever she went.

It is said that *Bhadra* was born to slay *Asuras* (demons); she is a figure who instills fear in others. She has a dark complexion, large teeth, and very long hair; her appearance is terrifying enough to frighten anyone.

From the moment of her birth, she began creating obstacles in *havans*, *yajnas*, chanting, penance, and other auspicious activities. People became deeply distressed by her actions. Even her father, Surya Dev, grew worried about her nature. One day, he approached Lord Brahma to discuss the matter.

Lord Brahma explained to *Bhadra* that her actions were disrupting the peace of others. He decided to designate a specific time for her to reside in. He decreed that she would dwell across the three worlds—Heaven (*Swarga*), Earth (*Prithvi*), and the Underworld (*Patala*). He instructed her to create obstacles whenever an auspicious task was undertaken during her designated time. Lord Brahma determined the placement of *Bhadra* in the *Panchang* (almanac) after the *Karanas* known as *Bava*, *Balava*, etc.

Thus, the timing of *Bhadra* was established in the *Panchang*. *Bhadra* begins whenever the *Vishti Karana* is active on a given lunar day (*Tithi*). No auspicious activities are performed while *Bhadra* is present on Earth; however, when it resides in *Swarga Loka* (heaven) or *Patala Loka* (the netherworld), it exerts no adverse effects on Earth.

What happens if *Rakhi* is tied during *Bhadra*?
If a sister ties a *Rakhi* to her brother during the *Bhadra* period, it is considered inauspicious. It may lead to increased negativity in his life, cause obstacles in his endeavors, and make achieving success difficult due to various hindrances. For this reason, *Raksha Bandhan* is not celebrated during the *Bhadra* period.

When is *Raksha Bandhan*?
This year, *Raksha Bandhan* falls on Friday, August 28. That day marks *Sawan Purnima* (the full moon day of the *Sawan* month). The *Purnima Tithi* lasts until 9:48 AM on August 28, and the festival will be celebrated throughout the day.

Is there a *Bhadra* shadow over *Raksha Bandhan*?
No, there is no *Bhadra* shadow on *Raksha Bandhan* this year. Therefore, you can celebrate the festival without any worry.

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