Raksha Bandhan 2026 will be celebrated on Friday, 29 August. The festival is observed on Shravan Purnima and is traditionally marked by the tying of a rakhi, along with sweets and gifts.
The date can be confusing because the Purnima Tithi spans 27 August and 28 August. According to the Delhi panchang, Raksha Bandhan is observed on 28 August.
According to the Delhi panchang, Raksha Bandhan will be observed on 28 August, when Purnima is still in effect.
When is Raksha Bandhan 2026?
Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on Friday, 28 August 2026, across India.
The festival is observed on Shravan Purnima. In Delhi, the Purnima Tithi begins at 9:08 am on 27 August and ends at 9:48 am on 28 August.
Because the tithi spans two calendar dates, 27 August may appear in some calendar references. However, the festival date for Raksha Bandhan in India is August 28.
What is the Rakhi muhurat in 2026?
For Delhi/New Delhi, the Raksha Bandhan thread ceremony window is listed as 5:57 am to 9:48 am on 28 August.
The timing is based on the local panchang, so people celebrating in other cities should check the timing for their location. For example, the corresponding window for Gurgaon is listed as 5:58 am to 9:48 am.
The Delhi panchang states that Bhadra ends before sunrise on 28 August. In traditional Hindu calendar practice, Raksha Bandhan ceremonies are generally avoided during Bhadra.
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Why is Raksha Bandhan on August 28 this year?
The date confusion comes from the fact that the Purnima Tithi spans two calendar dates.
In Delhi, Purnima Tithi begins at 9:08 am on 27 August and ends at 9:48 am on 28 August. According to the cited panchang, Raksha Bandhan is observed on 28 August.
What is the significance of Raksha Bandhan?
Raksha Bandhan is traditionally associated with the bond between siblings.
A rakhi is tied around the wrist as part of the celebration, followed by prayers, sweets and the exchange of gifts in many families. While the festival has traditionally been associated with brothers and sisters, the way it is celebrated can vary between families and communities.
The festival is traditionally associated with affection, family and sibling bonds.
TL;DR | News At a Glance
Raksha Bandhan 2026: Friday, 28 August
Purnima Tithi begins: 9:08 am on 27 August
Purnima Tithi ends: 9:48 am on 28 August
Delhi/New Delhi Rakhi ceremony timing: 5:57 am to 9:48 am on 28 August
Bhadra: Ends before sunrise on 28 August, according to the Delhi panchang
Timings may vary slightly depending on location.
What should you remember for Rakhi 2026?
If you are planning your Raksha Bandhan celebrations, Friday, August 28 is the date to mark on your calendar.
For Delhi/New Delhi, the listed Rakhi ceremony window is 5:57 am to 9:48 am. Timings can vary by location, so those celebrating elsewhere should check the panchang for their city.
