Can You Tie Rakhi on the Day of the Lunar Eclipse?

A partial lunar eclipse will occur on Friday, August 28, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan. The overlap has raised questions about whether Sutak will be observed and whether Rakhi ceremonies should be postponed. However, the 2026 eclipse will not be visible from India. Based on traditional Panchang practices, Sutak is therefore generally considered inapplicable in India.

According to Indian Standard Time, the penumbral phase will begin at around 6:55 a.m., followed by the partial eclipse at 8:04 a.m. The eclipse will reach its maximum at about 9:43 a.m., the partial phase will end around 11:21 a.m., and the penumbral phase will conclude at approximately 12:30 p.m. Since the Moon will be below the horizon in India during the event, the eclipse cannot be directly observed from the country.

The eclipse will be visible from parts of North and South America, Europe and Africa. Since it will not be visible in India, traditional Panchang-based guidance generally allows Raksha Bandhan celebrations to continue as usual. The exact auspicious timing for tying Rakhi can vary by location, so families following regional or household traditions may refer to their local Panchang.