Festival guide
Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan, on the full moon of Shravana, celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. The rakhi is traditionally tied when the full moon prevails after Bhadra, which is why the date and time can move.
Raksha Bandhan dates
| Year | Date | Tithi and its timings |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Friday 28 August | Shravana Shukla Purnima 27 Aug, 09:09 → 28 Aug, 09:48 |
| 2027 | Tuesday 17 August | Shravana Shukla Purnima 16 Aug, 10:29 → 17 Aug, 12:58 |
Dates for New Delhi, India; times in Asia/Kolkata. Observed by the rule: Purnima in the afternoon, after Bhadra.
Also known as: Rakhi, Rakhi Purnima, Avani Avittam and Narali Purnima on the same full moon.
Story and significance
Many stories are told: Draupadi tearing her sari to bandage Krishna’s finger and his promise to protect her; Indrani tying a protective thread on Indra; and Lakshmi tying a rakhi on King Bali.
How Raksha Bandhan is celebrated
- Sisters perform aarti, apply tilak and tie a rakhi on their brothers’ wrists
- Brothers give gifts and a promise of protection
- Sweets are shared
- On the same day, many Brahmin communities change the sacred thread (Upakarma / Avani Avittam) and coastal Maharashtra offers coconuts to the sea (Narali Purnima)
Customs vary between regions, communities and families. Please follow the guidance of your family priest or local temple for rituals and timings.
Frequently asked questions
When is Raksha Bandhan 2026?
Raksha Bandhan 2026 falls on Friday, 28 August 2026, for New Delhi. Choose your city above to see the date for your location.
When is Raksha Bandhan 2027?
Raksha Bandhan 2027 falls on Tuesday, 17 August 2027, for New Delhi. Choose your city above to see the date for your location.
Why does the date of Raksha Bandhan change every year?
Raksha Bandhan is fixed by the lunar calendar — the Shukla Paksha Purnima of Shravana (amanta calendar) — not the Gregorian calendar. Lunar months drift against solar dates, so the festival moves by up to a few weeks from year to year.
Can Raksha Bandhan fall on different dates in India and abroad?
Yes. The rule depends on the tithi at a particular time of day at your location, so a tithi that begins just before sunrise in India may begin after sunrise in North America, moving the observance by a day.