Raksha Bandhan muhurat
Raksha Bandhan 2026
Friday, 28 August 2026
Raksha Bandhan, celebrated on Shravan Purnima, is the festival of the protective bond between brothers and sisters. This year there is no Bhadra throughout the day, so rakhi can be tied during any auspicious window. Below are the muhurat timings, pooja vidhi, and mantra.
Auspicious muhurat
No Bhadra throughout the day this year. Best muhurat: 12:25-12:49 PM (Abhijit + Shubh Choghadiya).
Check your city's muhurat →Pooja vidhi and Raksha Sutra Bandhan mantra
Before tying rakhi, arrange the pooja thali with the rakhi, kumkum (vermillion), akshat (rice grains), a lamp, and sweets. Seat the brother facing east or north.
Apply kumkum tilak on the brother's forehead, sprinkle akshat, then tie the rakhi while reciting this mantra:
Yen baddho Bali raja, Danavendro mahabalah. Ten tvamabhibadhnami, Rakshe ma chal ma chal.
The mantra means: with the same sacred thread that bound the mighty demon king Bali, I bind you with this protective thread. O Raksha, remain steadfast, remain steadfast.
After tying rakhi, perform aarti of the brother and offer sweets. The brother gives a gift and vows to protect the sister.
Auspicious muhurat and Bhadra Kaal
This year there is no Bhadra (Vishti Karan) throughout Raksha Bandhan day, which is very auspicious. You can tie rakhi during any Shubh Choghadiya window.
Best muhurat: 12:25 PM to 12:49 PM (Abhijit Muhurat + Shubh Choghadiya). Other auspicious windows: 6:09-7:43 AM (Char), 7:44-9:17 AM (Labh), 9:18-10:51 AM (Amrit), 12:25-1:59 PM (Shubh), 5:07-6:41 PM (Char).
What is Bhadra Kaal? Bhadra occurs during a specific karan (Vishti Karan) and is traditionally considered inauspicious. The Bhadra timing during Purnima changes every year. This year, the absence of Bhadra means all auspicious windows are clear.
To find the exact Choghadiya and muhurat for your city, select your city on the panchang page.
Timing abroad, by time zone
Raksha Bandhan 2026 in the UK: When Bhadra Ends Where You Live
Raksha Bandhan 2026 falls on August 28. How to check when Bhadra ends for your own UK city rather than relying on an India-based time.
Raksha Bandhan 2026 in the USA: When Bhadra Ends Where You Live
Raksha Bandhan 2026 falls on August 28. How to check when Bhadra ends for your own US city rather than relying on an India-based time.
Raksha Bandhan 2026 in Canada: When Bhadra Ends Where You Live
Raksha Bandhan 2026 falls on August 28. How to check when Bhadra ends for your own Canadian city rather than relying on an India-based time.
Raksha Bandhan 2026 Abroad: When Bhadra Ends Where You Live
Raksha Bandhan 2026 falls on August 28. Here is how to check when Bhadra ends for your own city rather than relying on an India-based time.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
When is Raksha Bandhan 2026? +
Raksha Bandhan 2026 falls on August 28 (Friday). It is celebrated on the Purnima (full moon) of the Shravan month.
What is the best time to tie rakhi? +
The best muhurat is 12:25 PM to 12:49 PM (Abhijit Muhurat + Shubh Choghadiya). This year there is no Bhadra throughout the day, so tying rakhi during any Shubh Choghadiya is auspicious.
Which mantra to recite while tying rakhi? +
Recite: "Yen baddho Bali raja, Danavendro mahabalah. Ten tvamabhibadhnami, Rakshe ma chal ma chal." It means: with the same thread that bound King Bali, I bind you. O Raksha, remain steadfast.
Do I need to avoid Bhadra Kaal this year? +
This year there is no Bhadra (Vishti Karan) throughout Raksha Bandhan day. This is very auspicious, and rakhi can be tied during any auspicious window.
What should be on the Raksha Bandhan pooja thali? +
The pooja thali should have the rakhi, kumkum (vermillion), akshat (rice grains), a lamp, and sweets. Some families also include a coconut and flowers.
When should people abroad tie rakhi? +
Bhadra timing is based on tithi-karan which is the same everywhere, but Choghadiya depends on your local sunrise and sunset. Select your city on the panchang page for accurate timing.