Raksha Bandhan Significance & Spiritual Meaning
Raksha Bandhan celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters tie a sacred thread (rakhi) on the brother's wrist, and brothers pledge protection. It falls on Shravan Purnima.
Raksha Bandhan Mythology & Legend
According to the Mahabharata, Draupadi tied a cloth on Krishna's wrist when he was wounded; Krishna promised to protect her. When the Kauravas tried to disrobe her, Krishna extended the cloth infinitely. The festival also echoes the bond between King Bali and Goddess Lakshmi (Balev).
Raksha Bandhan 2026 Puja Rituals & Vidhi
- In the morning, sisters prepare the thali with rakhi, roli, rice, and diya.
- Sister ties the rakhi on the brother's wrist and applies tilak.
- Brother offers gifts and promises protection; sister performs aarti.
- Exchange sweets and share a family meal; visit or connect with siblings.
- In some regions, priests tie rakhis to devotees at temples.
Raksha Bandhan Mantras in Sanskrit
ॐ चन्द्रमसे नमः
oṃ candramase namaḥ
Salutations to Chandra (Moon)
Raksha Bandhan Traditional Foods & Prasad
- ●Sweets (ladoo, barfi)
- ●Savories
- ●Traditional family dishes
Raksha Bandhan Regional Celebrations across India
North and West(रक्षा बंधन)
Major festival, gifts
South India(அவனி அவிட்டம்)
Avani Avittam (sacred thread change) by some
Nepal(जनै पूर्णिमा)
Janai Purnima
Raksha Bandhan Do's & Don't's
Do's
- ✓Meet or connect with siblings
- ✓Perform aarti with love
- ✓Exchange gifts and sweets
- ✓Wear traditional clothes
Don'ts
- ✗Do not skip the thread-tying if possible
- ✗Avoid conflict on this day
Raksha Bandhan — Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Raksha Bandhan?
- Raksha Bandhan celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters.
- When is Raksha Bandhan 2026?
- In 2026, Raksha Bandhan falls on Friday, 28 August 2026.
- What are the Raksha Bandhan puja rituals?
- In the morning, sisters prepare the thali with rakhi, roli, rice, and diya.; Sister ties the rakhi on the brother's wrist and applies tilak.; Brother offers gifts and promises protection; sister performs aarti.; Exchange sweets and share a family meal; visit or connect with siblings.
- What to eat on Raksha Bandhan?
- Sweets (ladoo, barfi), Savories, Traditional family dishes
- What should you do on Raksha Bandhan?
- Meet or connect with siblings; Perform aarti with love; Exchange gifts and sweets
- What should you avoid on Raksha Bandhan?
- Do not skip the thread-tying if possible; Avoid conflict on this day
- Which deity is worshipped on Raksha Bandhan?
- Raksha Bandhan is dedicated to Chandra.
Upcoming Raksha Bandhan Dates in 2026, 2027 & Beyond
Raksha Bandhan is a sacred Hindu festival observed on the tithi shown. Dates are calculated from the Panchang for your region.
Times shown for New Delhi, India (IST)
| Date | Day | Moonrise Time | Special Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 Aug 2026 | Friday | 06:53 pm | — |
| 17 Aug 2027 | Tuesday | 06:58 pm | — |