Raksha Bandhan - Rakhi

Name: Raksha Bandhan
Start: 2026-08-28
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra

The sacred thread of protection; the afternoon tying of the rakhi after Bhadra ends.

Friday, 28 August 2026·Shravana Shukla Purnima, at Aparahna (afternoon, after Bhadra ends)·Mumbai, Maharashtra

Main Muhurta★★★★★

Rakhi Muhurat (Aparahna)

1:55 pm – 4:25 pm(2 hr 31 min)

Time to muhurta…

On the Day

Tie the rakhi in the Aparahna window, once Bhadra has ended
Sister performs aarti and applies a tilak to the brother
Brother offers a gift and vows protection
Share sweets and a family meal

Muhurtas

Rakhi Muhurat (Aparahna)★★★★★

1:55 pm – 4:25 pm · 2 hr 31 min

The sister ties the rakhi and prays for her brother's protection.

Why this rank: The afternoon window after Bhadra ends is the scripturally preferred time to tie the rakhi.

Deity: Krishna & DraupadiDo: Aarti and tilak for the brother, Tying the rakhi once Bhadra has passedAvoid: Bhadra Kala

Pradosh Kala (Evening Alternative)★★★★☆

6:56 pm – 9:13 pm · 2 hr 17 min

Alternative evening window for tying the rakhi.

Why this rank: An auspicious evening window when the afternoon Aparahna time cannot be kept.

Deity: Krishna & Draupadi

Auspicious Choghadiya★★★☆☆

Labh 7:56 am – 9:31 am
Amrit 9:31 am – 11:05 am
Shubh 12:39 pm – 2:13 pm

General auspicious windows for the rakhi and celebrations.

Why this rank: The day's good Choghadiya blocks - usable once Bhadra has ended.

This day's panchang

TithiShukla Purnima

NakshatraShatabhisha

YogaAtiganda

KaranaBava

MasaShravana

SamvatVikram 2082

Significance

Importance

Raksha Bandhan celebrates the bond between brother and sister. The sister ties a rakhi - a thread of protection - on her brother's wrist and prays for his well-being; in return he vows to protect her and offers a gift. The rakhi is tied only after Bhadra Kala has passed, which usually means the afternoon (Aparahna) of the Shravana full moon.

Religious significance

The thread turns affection into a sacred, reciprocal vow: the sister's prayer for protection and the brother's pledge to give it. More broadly it celebrates every relationship of trust and safeguarding.

Why it is celebrated

To renew the brother–sister bond, to seek and pledge mutual protection, and to gather the family on the Shravana full moon.

The story

Several legends underpin the festival. When Krishna cut his finger flying the Sudarshana chakra, Draupadi tore a strip from her sari and bound the wound; Krishna vowed to repay her, and later protected her honour in the court of the Kauravas. Indra's wife Sachi (Indrani) tied a consecrated thread on his wrist before battle with the demons, and by its power he prevailed. The god Yama and the river-goddess Yamuna are also invoked, the thread promising the tier long life. In history, Rani Karnavati of Mewar is said to have sent a rakhi to the Mughal emperor Humayun seeking aid, and he marched to her defence. Across all these threads the rakhi stands for a promise of protection freely given.

Who celebratesHindu families across India and the diaspora; also Jains and, regionally, many others who tie rakhis of friendship.

Where observedPan-India, strongest in the north and west; overlaps with Narali Purnima and Avani Avittam in coastal and southern regions.

Associated deities

Krishna & Draupadi (the bond of protection)

What to do

Avoid

Tying the rakhi during Bhadra Kala - wait until Bhadra ends
Delaying past the auspicious afternoon or evening window
Quarrels or harsh words between siblings

Regional variations

Maharashtra/coastal west: observed alongside Narali Purnima, offering coconuts to the sea.
South India: Brahmins perform Avani Avittam (Upakarma), changing the sacred thread.
North India: the grandest rakhi observance, with markets of decorative threads.

Special notes

The rakhi must not be tied during Bhadra Kala, considered inauspicious; wait until Bhadra ends - usually the Aparahna (afternoon).
In some years Bhadra runs late into the day, pushing the muhurat to the evening (Pradosh Kala).

Frequently asked questions

When should the rakhi be tied?

In the Aparahna (afternoon) window after Bhadra Kala has ended; the evening Pradosh Kala is the alternative.

Why avoid Bhadra Kala?

Bhadra is an inauspicious period associated with misfortune; tradition forbids tying the protective thread during it.

What is the significance of the thread?

It is a vow of protection - the sister's prayer for her brother and his pledge to safeguard her, echoing the Krishna–Draupadi bond.

All timings are computed for Mumbai, Maharashtra and follow Drik-style rules (sunrise/sunset, Pradosh-vyapini placement, sthir-lagna muhurtas). Times shift with your location - change your city on the calendar to recompute.