Lunar Eclipse on Raksha Bandhan 2026: The sacred festival of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated annually on the full moon day (Purnima) of the month of Shravan. This festival symbolizes the love, trust, and unbreakable bond shared between siblings. It is believed that on this day, sisters tie a *Rakhi* on their brothers' wrists and pray for their long lives; thus, the day is particularly known for fostering love and a sense of closeness in relationships.

In 2026, Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on August 28. On this day, alongside auspicious alignments, the shadow of an eclipse will also be present. In fact, the year's final lunar eclipse is set to occur on this very day. The total duration of the eclipse will be 5 hours and 38 minutes. Generally, there is a belief that one should refrain from performing auspicious activities or religious rituals during an eclipse. Consequently, people might wonder whether the Raksha Bandhan festival can be celebrated amidst the lunar eclipse. Let us find out more about this.

**Lunar Eclipse Duration: 5 Hours and 38 Minutes**

According to astrologers, the year's last lunar eclipse will occur on Raksha Bandhan, August 28, 2026. The eclipse will begin at 6:53 AM and is expected to conclude at 12:31 PM, resulting in a total duration of 5 hours and 38 minutes. However, this lunar eclipse will not be visible in India; therefore, the *Sutak* period (the inauspicious time preceding an eclipse) will not be applicable in the country.

As a result, the festival of Raksha Bandhan can be celebrated with full devotion and enthusiasm. Furthermore, the eclipse will not be considered to have any impact on worship or other religious activities. This lunar eclipse is expected to be visible in Africa, Europe, North and South America, and several countries in Western Asia.

**Raksha Bandhan 2026: Auspicious Timings (Shubh Muhurat)**

The auspicious time for tying the *Rakhi* on August 28 will be from 5:57 AM to 9:48 AM.
*Labh-Unnati Muhurat* (Auspicious time for gain and progress): From 7:33 AM to 9:10 AM. * Amrit-Sarvottam Muhurat*: This auspicious period will last from 9:10 AM to 10:46 AM.

When will the shadow of Bhadra prevail?

This year, on August 27, the influence of Bhadra will persist from 9:08 AM to 9:32 PM. It is believed that tying the Rakhi during the Bhadra period is inauspicious. However, the influence of Bhadra will have ended by August 28. Consequently, on this day, sisters will be able to tie the Rakhi on their brothers' wrists during the auspicious time without any hindrance.

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