According to the Vedic calendar, the festival of Raksha Bandhan (Raksha Bandhan 2025) is celebrated every year on the day of Sawan Purnima. On this occasion, sisters apply tilak on their brother and tie a rakhi and pray for the long life of the brother. Brothers give gifts to their sisters and also promise to protect them throughout their lives. This festival strengthens the relationship between brother and sister.
Brothers and sisters eagerly wait for the month of Sawan (Sawan 2025) because the festival of Raksha Bandhan (Raksha Bandhan 2025) is celebrated in this month. This festival is considered a symbol of love between brother and sister. In such a situation, let us know when Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated.
Raksha Bandhan 2025: 8 or 9 August, when will Raksha Bandhan be celebrated? Note the correct date and time now!
Raksha Bandhan 2025 Date and Time
According to the Vedic calendar, the date of Sawan Purnima will start on August 8 at 02:12 pm. At the same time, this date will end the next day i.e. on August 09 at 01:24 am. In such a situation, Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on August 09.
Raksha Bandhan 2025 Auspicious Time (Raksha Bandhan 2025 Shubh Muhurat)
The auspicious time to tie Rakhi on 09 August is from 05:47 am to 01:24 pm.
Almanac
- Sunrise: 05:47 am
- Sunset: 07:06 PM
- Moonrise: at 07:21 pm
- Moonset: No moonset
- Brahma Muhurta: From 04:22 am to 05:04 am
- Vijay Muhurta: From 02:40 PM to 03:33 PM
- Twilight Time: from 07:06 pm to 07:27 pm
- Nishita Muhurta: From 12:05 am to 12:48 am
Raksha Bandhan Puja Vidhi
On the day of Raksha Bandhan, after taking a bath in the morning, clean the temple and purify it by sprinkling Gangajal. After this, place the picture of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi on the pedestal and worship them. Light a lamp of pure ghee and do the Aarti. Chant mantras. Offer bananas, fruits and sweets etc. to God. Pray to God for happiness and peace in life. In the end, the sister should apply tilak to the brother and tie a rakhi.
Keep these Things in Mind on the Day of Raksha Bandhan
- On this day brothers and sisters should not argue with each other.
- Don’t think wrongly about anyone.
- Take special care of the cleanliness of the house and temple.
- Do not give black colored things as gifts.
About Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi)
The bonding between a brother and a sister is simply unique and is beyond description in words. The relationship between siblings is extraordinary and is given importance in every part of the world. However, when it comes to India, the relationship becomes all the more important as there is a festival called “Raksha Bandhan” dedicated for the sibling love.
This is a special Hindu festival which is celebrated in India and countries like Nepal to symbolize the love between a brother and a sister. The occasion of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu luni-solar calendar in the month of Shravana which typically falls in the August month of Gregorian calendar.
Meaning of Raksha Bandhan
The festival is made up of two words, namely “Raksha” and “Bandhan.” As per the Sanskrit terminology, the occasion means “the tie or knot of protection” where “Raksha” stands for the protection and “Bandhan” signifies the verb to tie. Together, the festival symbolizes the eternal love of brother-sister relationship which does not mean just the blood relationships only. It is also celebrated among cousins, sister and sister-in-law (Bhabhi), fraternal aunt (Bua) and nephew (Bhatija) and other such relations.
Importance of Raksha Bandhan Among Various Religions in India
Hinduism – Festival is mainly celebrated by the Hindus in the northern and western parts of India along with countries like Nepal, Pakistan and Mauritius.
Jainism – Occasion is also revered by the Jain community where Jain priests give ceremonial threads to the devotees.
Sikhism – Festival devoted to the brother-sister love is observed by the Sikhs as “Rakhardi” or Rakhari.
Origin of Raksha Bandhan Festival
Festival of Raksha Bandhan is known to have originated centuries before and there are several stories related to the celebration of this special festival. Some of the various accounts related to the Hindu mythology are described below:
Krishna and Draupadi – Based on an account of Mahabharat, Draupadi, wife of Pandavas tied a rakhi to Lord Krishna while Kunti tied the rakhi to grandson Abhimanyu before the epic war.
Indra Dev and Sachi – According to the ancient legend of Bhavishya Purana, once there was a fierce battle between Gods and demons. Lord Indra- the principle deity of sky, rains and thunderbolts who was fighting the battle on the side of Gods was having a tough resistance from the powerful demon King, Bali. The war continued for a long time and did not came on a decisive end. Seeing this, Indra’s wife Sachi went to the Lord Vishnu who gave her a holy bracelet made up of cotton thread. Sachi tied the holy thread around the wrist of her husband, Lord Indra who ultimately defeated the demons and recovered the Amaravati. The earlier account of the festival described these holy threads to be amulets which were used by women for prayers and were tied to their husband when they were leaving for a war. Unlike, the present times, those holy threads were not limited to brother-sister relationships.
Santoshi Maa – It is said that the two sons of Lord Ganesha namely, Shubh and Labh were frustrated that they had no sister. They asked for a sister from their father who finally obliged to their sister on the intervention of saint Narada. This is how Lord Ganesha created Santoshi Maa through the divine flames and the two sons of Lord Ganesha got their sister for the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.
King Bali and Goddess Lakshmi – Account of Bhagavata Purana and Vishnu Purana, when Lord Vishnu won the three worlds from the demon King Bali, he asked by the demon king to stay beside him in the palace. The Lord accepted the requested and started living with the demon king. However, Goddess Lakshmi, wife of Lord Vishnu wanted to return to his native place of Vaikuntha. So, she tied the rakhi around the wrist of demon king, Bali and made him a brother. On asking about the return gift, Goddess Lakshmi asked Bali to free her husband from the vow and let him return to Vaikuntha. Bali agreed to the request and Lord Vishnu returned to his place with his wife, Goddess Lakshmi.
Yama and the Yamuna – Another legend says that the death God, Yama did not visit his sister Yamuna for a period of 12 years who ultimately became very sad. On the advice of Ganga, Yama went to meet his sister Yamuna who has very happy and performed hospitality of her brother, Yama. This made the Yama delighted who asked Yamuna for a gift. She expressed her desire to see her brother again and again. Hearing this, Yama made his sister, Yamuna immortal so that he could see her again and again. This mythological account forms the basis of festival called “Bhai Dooj” which is also based on the brother-sister relationship.
Reason for the Celebration of this Festival
Festival of Raksha Bandhan is observed as a symbol of duty between brothers and sisters. The occasion is meant to celebrate any type of brother-sister relationship between men and women who may not be biologically related.
On this day, a sister ties a rakhi around the wrist of her brother in order to pray for his prosperity, health and well-being. TBrother in return offers a gifts and promises to protect his sister from any harm and under every circumstance. Festival is also celebrated between brother-sister belonging to distant family members, relatives or cousins.
FAQs
What is Raksha Bandhan?
Raksha Bandhan is a Hindu festival celebrating the bond between siblings, particularly brothers and sisters. It involves sisters tying a sacred thread (rakhi) on their brothers’ wrists, symbolizing love and protection, while brothers offer gifts and pledge to protect their sisters.
When is Raksha Bandhan celebrated?
Raksha Bandhan is typically celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Hindu month of Shravan, usually falling in August. In 2025, to be celebrated on August 9.
Why is Raksha Bandhan important?
The festival strengthens sibling bonds, emphasizing love, trust, and mutual protection. It also holds cultural and spiritual significance, rooted in ancient traditions and stories like those from the Mahabharata, where Draupadi tied a rakhi to Lord Krishna.
What is a rakhi?
A rakhi is a decorative thread or bracelet, often made of silk, cotton, or adorned with beads, stones, or charms. Sisters tie it on their brothers’ wrists during the Rakhi Purnima ceremony as a symbol of love and protection.
What are the rituals of Raksha Bandhan?
The main rituals include:
- Sisters prepare a thali (plate) with a rakhi, sweets, a diya (lamp), and vermilion (tilak).
- Sisters apply tilak on their brothers’ foreheads, tie the rakhi, and offer sweets.
- Brothers give gifts or money and promise to protect their sisters.
- Families often gather for meals and celebrations.
Can sisters tie rakhis to sisters or brothers to brothers?
Yes, modern celebrations are inclusive. Sisters may tie rakhis to sisters, and brothers may tie rakhis to brothers, symbolizing mutual care. The festival is evolving to celebrate all protective bonds, not just traditional sibling roles.
What are popular Raksha Bandhan gifts?
Common gifts from brothers to sisters include:
- Jewelry, clothes, or accessories.
- Cash or gift cards.
- Chocolates, sweets, or personalized items. Sisters may also gift brothers items like gadgets, clothing, or accessories.
Are there specific foods for Raksha Bandhan?
Traditional sweets like laddoos, barfi, or kheer are popular. Families may also prepare festive meals with dishes like puri, sabzi, or biryani, depending on regional preferences.
Can Raksha Bandhan be celebrated virtually?
Yes, with many siblings living apart, virtual celebrations are common. Sisters may send rakhis by mail, and families connect via video calls to perform rituals, exchange gifts, or share messages.
Is Raksha Bandhan celebrated outside India?
Yes, Raksha Bandhan is widely celebrated by the Indian diaspora in countries like the USA, Canada, UK, and Australia. Indian communities organize cultural events, and families maintain traditions abroad.
How do people in the USA celebrate Raksha Bandhan?
In the USA, Indian families celebrate with traditional rituals like rakhi-tying and gift exchanges. Community events, temple gatherings, or cultural programs may also take place. Online rakhi deliveries and virtual celebrations are popular among those separated by distance.
Are there modern twists to Raksha Bandhan?
Modern celebrations include eco-friendly rakhis, personalized gifts, or themed rakhis (e.g., cartoon characters for kids). Some families also focus on gender-neutral celebrations, emphasizing equality in sibling bonds.
What if siblings live far apart?
Siblings can send rakhis or gifts via mail or online services. Video calls allow them to perform rituals virtually, maintaining the emotional connection despite the distance.
Is Raksha Bandhan only for biological siblings?
No, the festival extends to cousins, close friends, or even neighbors who share a sibling-like bond. It’s about celebrating any protective, loving relationship.
Can non-Hindus celebrate Raksha Bandhan?
Raksha Bandhan is a cultural festival, and people from all backgrounds can participate to honor sibling-like bonds, especially in multicultural settings like the USA.
