Raksha Bandhan · रक्षा बंधन
Raksha Bandhan, on Shravana Purnima, celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters tie a rakhi (protective thread) on their brothers' wrists and brothers promise to protect them.
How the date is determined
Shravana Purnima prevailing in the afternoon (aparahna), avoiding Bhadra. When Bhadra overlaps the afternoon and Purnima lasts at least three muhurtas after the next sunrise, the observance moves to the next day.
Sisters perform aarti, apply tilak, tie the rakhi and offer sweets; brothers give gifts. The same day many brahmins renew their sacred thread (Upakarma).
Regional and tradition differences
The rakhi is traditionally tied in the afternoon (aparahna) and never during Bhadra. When Bhadra covers the afternoon, the time moves later, sometimes to the next day.
What to recite
Sources
- Raksha Bandhan, Wikipedia (2026)
Change log
- : Published.