Raksha Bandhan, a prominent Indian festival symbolising the bond of protection between siblings, will be observed on Saturday, August 9, 2025. Rooted in cultural tradition, the festival is marked by rituals that express love, responsibility, and mutual respect between brothers and sisters.
The most auspicious time for tying the rakhi falls within the Shubh Muhurat, which begins at 5:47 AM and ends at 1:24 PM on August 9. This timing aligns with the Raksha Bandhan Purnima Tithi, which begins at 2:12 PM on August 8 and ends at 1:24 PM the following day.
Bhadra kaal must be avoided for rakhi rituals
As per Hindu tradition, rituals should be performed outside of Bhadra Kaal, a period considered inauspicious for religious activities. According to Drik Panchang, “Raksha Bandhan rituals should not be done during Bhadra. Bhadra is a malicious time that should be avoided for all auspicious work.” The source further states, “Most Hindu religious texts, including Vratraj, advise to avoid Bhadra time to tie Rakhi during the Raksha Bandhan festival.”
In 2025, Bhadra concludes early in the morning, making the rest of the day suitable for the Raksha Bandhan celebrations.
Festival signifies protection and affection
The essence of Raksha Bandhan lies in the symbolic gesture where sisters tie a rakhi—a sacred thread—around their brothers' wrists, offering prayers for their safety and well-being. In response, brothers pledge to protect their sisters and often present them with gifts.
While traditionally observed between siblings, the festival has evolved to embrace broader expressions of solidarity. Rakhis are now also tied to friends, soldiers, and others, symbolising goodwill and harmony beyond familial ties.
Historical and mythological roots
Raksha Bandhan has its origins in several historical and mythological accounts. One widely known legend speaks of Queen Karnavati of Mewar sending a rakhi to Mughal Emperor Humayun, requesting his protection. Another reference appears in the Mahabharata, where Draupadi tied a piece of cloth to Krishna’s wrist, prompting him to vow eternal protection.
The festival continues to hold cultural and emotional significance across India, reinforcing values of loyalty, support, and shared responsibility among individuals.
The most auspicious time for tying the rakhi falls within the Shubh Muhurat, which begins at 5:47 AM and ends at 1:24 PM on August 9. This timing aligns with the Raksha Bandhan Purnima Tithi, which begins at 2:12 PM on August 8 and ends at 1:24 PM the following day.
Bhadra kaal must be avoided for rakhi rituals
As per Hindu tradition, rituals should be performed outside of Bhadra Kaal, a period considered inauspicious for religious activities. According to Drik Panchang, “Raksha Bandhan rituals should not be done during Bhadra. Bhadra is a malicious time that should be avoided for all auspicious work.” The source further states, “Most Hindu religious texts, including Vratraj, advise to avoid Bhadra time to tie Rakhi during the Raksha Bandhan festival.”
In 2025, Bhadra concludes early in the morning, making the rest of the day suitable for the Raksha Bandhan celebrations.
Festival signifies protection and affection
The essence of Raksha Bandhan lies in the symbolic gesture where sisters tie a rakhi—a sacred thread—around their brothers' wrists, offering prayers for their safety and well-being. In response, brothers pledge to protect their sisters and often present them with gifts.
While traditionally observed between siblings, the festival has evolved to embrace broader expressions of solidarity. Rakhis are now also tied to friends, soldiers, and others, symbolising goodwill and harmony beyond familial ties.
Historical and mythological roots
Raksha Bandhan has its origins in several historical and mythological accounts. One widely known legend speaks of Queen Karnavati of Mewar sending a rakhi to Mughal Emperor Humayun, requesting his protection. Another reference appears in the Mahabharata, where Draupadi tied a piece of cloth to Krishna’s wrist, prompting him to vow eternal protection.
The festival continues to hold cultural and emotional significance across India, reinforcing values of loyalty, support, and shared responsibility among individuals.
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