Raksha Bandhan — the festival of the protective thread — is one of India's most beloved sibling celebrations. Observed on the full moon day of Shravan month, it centres on a simple but profound act: a sister ties a Rakhi (sacred thread) on her brother's wrist, praying for his wellbeing, and he pledges to protect and support her always. In 2026, Raksha Bandhan falls on August 28.
Quick Answer
Raksha Bandhan 2026 is on August 28. Tie the Rakhi after the Bhadra period ends (after approximately 2 PM). The puja involves roli, akshat, diya, sweets, and the Rakhi. Sister applies tilak, performs aarti, ties Rakhi on brother's right wrist, and he gives a gift in return.
Raksha Bandhan 2026 — Date & Muhurat
Date
Friday, August 28, 2026
Tithi
Shravan Purnima (Full Moon)
Bhadra period
Morning — avoid tying Rakhi during this time
Auspicious muhurat
Approximately 2 PM onwards until sunset
Pradosh muhurat
Evening — considered especially auspicious for the ceremony
Rakhi Puja Vidhi — Step by Step
Take a bath and wear clean or new clothes — sisters typically dress in traditional attire
Set up the puja thali with: Rakhi, roli (kumkum), akshat (rice), diya, sweets (mithai), and a small coconut
Light the diya and apply roli tilak on the brother's forehead
Apply akshat (rice grains) on the tilak
Perform aarti — circle the diya clockwise before the brother
Tie the Rakhi on the brother's right wrist while saying a prayer for his long life and wellbeing
Offer sweets — feed him the first bite
The brother gives a gift (shagun) to the sister and pledges his protection
What Goes on the Rakhi Thali
Beyond Brothers & Sisters
Raksha Bandhan has evolved beyond blood siblings. Sisters tie Rakhi to cousins, close friends, neighbours, and even public figures as a symbol of the protective bond. In many communities, Rakhi is tied to teachers, doctors, and soldiers as a mark of respect and gratitude. The essence of the festival — a thread that represents love, protection, and the promise of support — transcends the literal sibling relationship.
Raksha Bandhan for NRI Families Abroad
- Order Rakhi online and ship to siblings abroad — or sisters shop at Indian stores in their city
- Video call ceremony — both siblings perform the puja simultaneously, with the sister tying Rakhi to a photo or the screen
- Many NRI families designate a close friend or cousin as the Rakhi recipient if siblings are not nearby
- Indian community associations in the USA, UK, and Canada often organise Raksha Bandhan events
- Sending homemade sweets alongside the Rakhi — many sisters prepare mithai at home and ship it
💡 Family tradition tip
Document the specific Rakhi your sister chose each year, the gifts exchanged, and the promises made. Many families find that looking back at years of Raksha Bandhan photos and memories becomes one of their most treasured archives — the thread that runs through a lifetime of sibling love.