The festival of Raksha Bandhan, a symbol of the love and trust shared between siblings, is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Shravan month. On this day, sisters tie a protective thread (*Raksha Sutra*) around their brothers' wrists, praying for their longevity and prosperity. According to astrological calculations, the Raksha Bandhan festival in 2026 will fall under the shadow of *Panchak*. The *Panchak* period begins a day before the full moon, creating uncertainty among siblings regarding the celebration of the festival.

According to astrology and religious beliefs, the negative effects of *Panchak* can be neutralized on Shravan Purnima through specific Vedic remedies and the chanting of special mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva (Bholenath). Pandit Shridhar Shastri, an astrologer from Haridwar, told Local 18 that calculations indicate the *Panchak* period will commence exactly one day before Raksha Bandhan, meaning the festival will take place under its influence.

**Chant this Shiva Mantra**
He emphasized that the worship of Lord Shiva is the most effective way to ward off any potential misfortune during the *Panchak* period. According to Pandit Shastri, chanting the *Mahamrityunjaya Mantra*—Lord Shiva's most powerful and benevolent mantra ("Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushti-Vardhanam, Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat")—108 times on the final day of the Shravan month, either at one's home altar or at a consecrated Shiva temple (*Shivalaya*), will eliminate the effects of *Panchak*. It is a religious belief that this powerful mantra can dispel all such afflictions.

**This remedy completely removes the shadow of Panchak**
Pandit Shridhar Shastri explains that after worshipping Lord Shiva, sisters can recite a specific Vedic mantra while tying the protective thread (*Raksha Sutra*) to their brothers; doing so ensures they receive the full spiritual benefit of the ritual. According to religious texts and the views of scholars, performing the scriptural remedy associated with Lord Shiva completely dispels the shadow of *Panchak*, bestowing the blessings of happiness, peace, and safety upon the lives of siblings. Scholars from Haridwar—the city of Lord Shiva—state that after performing this ritual with devotion and adherence to the prescribed rules, sisters can tie the *Raksha Sutra* (protective thread) on their brothers' wrists, yielding positive results.

They further explain that *Panchak* is primarily a consideration regarding the use or carrying of bamboo and bamboo-based items. While *Panchak* does not actually impact the observance of Raksha Bandhan, chanting a special mantra dedicated to Lord Shiva ensures a harmonious and auspicious experience. Let us, therefore, celebrate the festival of Raksha Bandhan this time free from the concerns of *Panchak*.

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