This Is the Auspicious Muhurat for Raksha Bandhan...

Panchang experts have clarified the date of Raksha Bandhan 2026, ending the confusion over whether the festival should be celebrated on August 27 or 28. According to the Hindu calendar, the Shravana Shukla Paksha Purnima Tithi begins at 9:08 AM on August 27 and ends at 9:48 AM on August 28. Since the prevailing tithi at sunrise is considered important, Vedic scholars and priests have recommended celebrating Raksha Bandhan on August 28.

The auspicious time for tying the rakhi on August 28 is from 6:23 AM to 9:48 AM. Sisters can also tie rakhi during the Abhijit Muhurat from 12:14 PM to 1:05 PM. A lunar eclipse is also scheduled to occur on the same day, from 8:04 AM to 11:22 AM, in Virgo. However, scholars have clarified that the eclipse will not be visible in India and therefore will not cause any religious restrictions for Raksha Bandhan celebrations.

Raksha Bandhan holds significant mythological and historical importance. According to one popular legend, Draupadi tore a piece of her saree and tied it around Lord Krishna’s injured hand, and Krishna later protected her during the attempted disrobing. Other stories include Goddess Lakshmi tying a sacred thread to King Bali and the historical account of Rani Karnavati sending a rakhi to Mughal emperor Humayun seeking protection. These stories are often associated with the festival’s message of love and protection between siblings.