Raksha Bandhan, the festival celebrating the love, trust, and affection between siblings, will be observed this year amidst a special astrological alignment. Falling on the full moon day (Purnima) of the month of Sawan, the festival will be celebrated on August 28, 2026. According to Swami Kanhaiya Maharaj, an astrologer from Kashi, a rare alignment is occurring this year that will provide sisters with a relatively longer window of time to tie the *Rakhi*.

The astrologer notes that in recent years, there was often uncertainty regarding the timing of the *Rakhi* ceremony due to the presence of *Bhadra* (an inauspicious period). This year, however, *Bhadra* will conclude before sunrise on August 28, making an auspicious time available during the day for tying the sacred thread.

According to the Vedic almanac (*Panchang*), this year's Raksha Bandhan coincides with the *Shatabhisha Nakshatra* and the *Atiganda Yoga*. Additionally, the Moon will be positioned in Aquarius (*Kumbh*), a sign ruled by Saturn. Astrological beliefs deem the day significant due to this specific planetary and stellar configuration. Swami Kanhaiya Maharaj states that sisters can tie the *Rakhi* on their brothers' wrists at any time convenient to them throughout the day on August 28; however, there are specific periods considered particularly auspicious.

The first auspicious window (*Muhurat*) is from 6:36 AM to 9:45 AM. The second auspicious window is from 12:03 PM to 12:53 PM, and the third is from 7:43 PM to 9:30 PM.

During these auspicious times, sisters can apply *Tilak* to their brothers, perform *Aarti*, and tie the sacred thread while praying for their happiness, prosperity, and longevity. Brothers, in turn, pledge to protect their sisters and stand by them in every circumstance.

According to the astrologer, *Rahu Kaal*—a period considered unfavorable for auspicious activities in religious beliefs—will prevail on August 28 from 10:54 AM to 12:02 PM. Therefore, it is advised to avoid performing the Rakhi-tying ceremony during this period.

On the day of Raksha Bandhan, sisters and brothers may perform rituals and prayers in accordance with their local traditions and customs. Slight variations in the auspicious timings are possible depending on the local *Panchang* (almanac); hence, it is best to verify the time using the *Panchang* specific to your region.

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