Raksha Bandhan, a festival symbolizing the bond between siblings, is celebrated annually on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Shravan. This year, Raksha Bandhan will be observed on Saturday, August 9, 2025. A notable aspect of this year’s celebration is the absence of the shadow of Bhadra. According to astrological calculations, Bhadra will end at 1:52 AM on August 9th, allowing the festival to be celebrated throughout the day. Scriptures advise against performing auspicious activities during the Bhadra period. Generally, Raksha Bandhan celebrations are often affected by Bhadra, however, this year, Bhadra will end before the festival begins. Sisters can tie the sacred thread (Rakhi) on their brothers’ wrists during the auspicious time from 5:47 AM to 1:24 PM, providing a window of 7 hours and 37 minutes for the ritual. Moreover, the rise of the planet Mercury in Cancer is also occurring on this day, considered auspicious in astrology, making this Raksha Bandhan particularly beneficial due to the favorable alignment of celestial bodies. The full moon (Purnima) begins in the afternoon of August 8th, and the Bhadra period starts at 2:12 PM on August 8th and lasts until 1:52 AM on August 9th. The scriptures emphasize the importance of the Tithi at sunrise (Udaya Kaal), therefore, celebrating Raksha Bandhan on the Purnima on August 9th is considered superior. Additionally, the festival coincides with the Shravan Nakshatra.
