We celebrate Raksha Bandhan every year on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravan; therefore it is also called Rakhi Purnima. This festival is a celebration of love between sisters and brothers. On this day sisters tie rakhi on the wrists of their brothers, while brothers promise to protect their sisters. In some parts, this festival is also known as Rakhi. This is one of the most significant festivals of Hindus. Although nowadays most religions celebrate this festival with equal enthusiasm. Wondering when is Raksha Bandhan in 2026? This year, Raksha Bandhan 2026 (Rakhi 2026) will be celebrated on 28th August 2026, Friday.
Raksha Bandhan 2026 is the most favourite and famous festival of sisters. Sisters wait for this auspicious day because Raksha Bandhan deepens the love of brother and sister. Many people keep searching for the Raksha Bandhan in 2026, and this year Raksha Bandhan will be on 28th August 2026. Will tell you the auspicious beginning of Raksha Bandhan, but before that know why Raksha Bandhan is being celebrated. There are a few stories behind it which make the reason for celebrating Raksha Bandhan clear.
Significance of Rakhi Festival
The festival of Raksha Bandhan 2026 is celebrated in the month of Shravan of the Hindu Calendar on the full moon day. At the same time, it is important to keep these rules in mind as well:
- If the full moon has crossed the age during the full moon, then there should not be any restriction. In such a way, if the full moon is in the first three hours of the next day, then the entire festival should be observed in the ninth period of the next day.
- But if the full moon is not present in the first 3 hours of the next day, then Raksha Bandhan can be celebrated in the second half of the next day later on.
- Although in some areas like Punjab etc., dawn and dusk are not considered more important, so it is generally the tradition to celebrate Rakhi before the afternoon period. But according to the Vedas, celebrating Raksha Bandhan during Bhadra Kaal is totally prohibited, in any situation.
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Story of Raksha Bandhan Festival
According to the Mahabharata, once the hand of Lord Krishna got hurt. Mother Draupadi tore a piece of her cloth and tied it on the hand of Lord Krishna. In return, Lord Krishna gave Draupadi the promise of protection for a lifetime – this is also considered a starting point of Raksha Bandhan.
According to another historic story, the queen of Chittor, Karnavati, sent a rakhi to Humayun and asked for the pledge of her security. Keeping the word given to Karnavati, Humayun provided her security, after which the ritual of celebrating Raksha Bandhan was started.
When is Raksha Bandhan in 2026? Date and Muhurat Timing
Still wondering when Raksha Bandhan is in 2026? The auspicious window to tie Rakhi is between 5:57 AM to 9:48 AM on 28th August, giving a duration of nearly 3 hours 51 minutes. The good news this year is that Bhadra Kaal ends before sunrise, so the entire morning is free of any inauspicious period – no need to wait or worry about timing. Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the Purnima of Shravan month, which is considered very auspicious. In this month devotees carry the Kaavad of Lord Shankar, and it is believed that many Hindu festivals of the season begin from this day.
Shankar. It is being said that from this day the festival of Hindu religions gets started.
| Raksha Bandhan 2025 Subh Muhurat | 5:57 AM to 9:48 AM |
| Raksha Bandhan 2026 Time Duration | 3 Hours 51 Minutes |
| Bhadra Kaal | None – ends before sunrise on 28th August |
| Purnima Tithi Begins | 27 August 2026 at 9:08 AM |
| Purnima Tithi Ends | 28 August 2026 at 9:48 AM |
Raksha Bandhan Pooja Vidhi
On the day of Raksha Bandhan, a sister ties Rakhi on the wrist of her brother. At the same time, she also seeks blessings, prosperity, and happiness for him. A mantra is read while tying Rakhi on the wrist – even Pandits tie rakhi for protection using this mantra:
“Yen Bandho Bali Raja Danavendro Mahabal”
There is also a famous mythological story behind this mantra, often recited during the worship of Raksha Bandhan. Once Dharmaraj Yudhishthira expressed a desire to hear a story from Lord Shri Krishna that could lead to liberation from all sufferings. In reply, Shri Krishna told him this story:
There was a war for 12 consecutive years between the devas and asuras in the mythical era. Victory of the Asuras in the war seemed certain. The King of Demons occupied the three worlds and declared himself the ruler of the Trilok. Devraj Indra then sought shelter with Guru Brihaspati and prayed for protection. The Raksha Puja was completed the following morning.
In this ritual, Guru Brihaspati read the mantra mentioned above; Indra and his wife Indrani repeated this mantra as well. Indrani tied the thread of protection on Indra’s right wrist. Empowered by this puja, Indra defeated the Asuras and regained his lost kingdom.
Another way to celebrate Raksha Bandhan is also popular. Women get ready to worship on this day in the morning and offer prayers with kheer and sweets, tying the thread of Rakhi as part of the ritual. After tying Rakhi on the wrists of their brothers, they complete the ceremony with blessings and gifts.
Importance of Rakhi Festival
On every Raksha Bandhan, every sister prays for the long life of her brother and asks God for his happiness and wellbeing. On this day, sisters go to the temple to pray to Lord Krishna for the safety of their brothers. After tying the Rakhi, brothers pledge to protect their sisters and give them gifts in return. This auspicious thread strengthens the bond between siblings – a sacred tradition that increases love between brother and sister. From ancient times, there have also been rituals of tying Rakhi to trees, especially the Banyan tree, along with offerings of Roli, Chandan, and Dhoop, praying for long life and prosperity.
Raksha Bandhan Festival Date for Next Five Years 2026–2030 in India
| Year | Date |
| 2026 | 28th August |
| 2027 | 17th August |
| 2028 | 5th August |
| 2029 | 24th August |
| 2030 | 13th August |