Raksha Bandhan 2026 and Lunar Eclipse: A lunar eclipse is set to occur on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan this year; however, the *Shravan Purnima* (full moon day of the Shravan month) will conclude by the time the eclipse ends. This raises the question: how should Raksha Bandhan be celebrated amidst the lunar eclipse? To resolve this uncertainty, one should consult the *Panchang* (Hindu almanac) to understand the details clearly and celebrate the festival correctly.

When is Raksha Bandhan?
According to the Hindu calendar, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on *Shravan Purnima*. This year, *Shravan Purnima* begins at 9:08 AM on Thursday, August 27, and continues until 9:48 AM on Friday, August 28. Based on the *Udaya Tithi* (the sunrise date), Raksha Bandhan falls on August 28.

When will the lunar eclipse occur?
The lunar eclipse will take place on the morning of Raksha Bandhan (August 28). It will begin at 6:55 AM and conclude at 12:30 PM. On that day, the *Shravan Purnima* date lasts only until 9:48 AM.

How to celebrate Raksha Bandhan during the lunar eclipse?

Generally, no auspicious activities are performed during a lunar eclipse. However, one must consider when the *Sutak Kaal* (the inauspicious period preceding the eclipse) begins. If *Sutak Kaal* were applicable, it would pose a problem, as it usually starts nine hours before the eclipse.

This lunar eclipse will not be visible in India. When an eclipse is not visible, the *Sutak Kaal* is not considered valid. Since *Sutak Kaal* does not apply in this instance, you can proceed with auspicious activities. Therefore, you can celebrate Raksha Bandhan on the day of the eclipse without worry; there will be no adverse effects or harm.

Raksha Bandhan *Muhurat* (Auspicious Time) 2026
This year, the auspicious time for Raksha Bandhan will be from 5:57 AM to 9:48 AM. Sisters will have a window of approximately four hours to tie the *Rakhi* to their brothers. Since the Shravan Purnima tithi prevails throughout the day, you can celebrate the festival of Raksha Bandhan at any time during the day, except during Rahu Kaal.

Where will the lunar eclipse be visible?
This lunar eclipse will be visible in Europe, North and South America, Africa, and countries in West Asia. As it will be daytime in India at that time, the lunar eclipse will not be visible there.

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