Raksha Bandhan 2026 Date: The festival of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated annually on the full moon day (Purnima Tithi) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the Shravan month. However, when the Shravan Purnima Tithi spans two days, confusion arises regarding the date of Raksha Bandhan. This year, the Shravan Purnima Tithi falls on two days—August 27 and August 28. Consequently, people are faced with the dilemma of which day to celebrate Raksha Bandhan and when to tie the Rakhi. Let us find out the correct date for Raksha Bandhan and the auspicious time (Muhurat) for tying the Rakhi.

August 27 or 28: When is Raksha Bandhan?
According to the Vedic calendar, the Purnima Tithi of the Shravan month's bright fortnight begins at 9:08 AM on August 27. This Tithi remains valid until 9:48 AM on August 28.

Looking at the schedule, Shravan Purnima prevails throughout the day on August 27 after 9:08 AM, whereas on August 28, it concludes at 9:48 AM. In such a scenario, when is the right time to celebrate Raksha Bandhan?

In Hinduism, most festivals are celebrated based on *Udayatithi*—meaning the Tithi prevailing at the time of sunrise is considered valid. Raksha Bandhan falls on Shravan Purnima. On August 27, the Purnima Tithi begins after sunrise; however, on August 28, the Shravan Purnima Tithi is still active at the time of sunrise (which is at 5:57 AM).

Based on this, it would be best to celebrate Raksha Bandhan on Friday, August 28. The Varalakshmi Vrat is also observed on this day; the fast is kept on the last Friday of the Shravan month.

Raksha Bandhan 2026: Auspicious Time for Tying Rakhi
On August 28, the auspicious time for tying the Rakhi is from 5:57 AM to 9:48 AM. There is a 3-hour and 51-minute auspicious window for tying the Rakhi on that day.

Shravan Purnima spans the entire day on August 28. If, for any reason, you are unable to tie the Rakhi to your brother during the designated auspicious time, there is no need to worry; you can tie it afterwards, provided you avoid the *Rahu Kaal* period.

When does *Rahu Kaal* occur on Raksha Bandhan?
This year, on Raksha Bandhan, *Rahu Kaal* begins at 10:46 AM and lasts until 12:22 PM. *Rahu Kaal* is considered inauspicious; therefore, no auspicious activities are performed during this time. However, rituals to seek relief from *Kaal Sarp Dosh* are conducted during *Rahu Kaal*.

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