Every year, the festival of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated with great fervour on the full moon day of the Sawan month. However, this year's celebration comes with a unique celestial event as a lunar eclipse is set to occur on the exact same day. In Hindu traditions, an eclipse is generally considered an inauspicious phase during which all auspicious and religious ceremonies are strictly prohibited. Even so, performing acts of charity and donations during this period is believed to earn immense spiritual merit. Therefore, it is important to know the precise timings for tying sacred threads and the details surrounding the eclipse.
Raksha Bandhan 2026 Date and Auspicious Thread Tying Muhurat
According to the Hindu calendar, the full moon phase of the Shukla Paksha in the Sawan month begins on August 27 at 9:08 AM. This purnima tithi will conclude on August 28 at 9:48 AM. Based on the Udayatithi calculation, the festival of Raksha Bandhan will be observed on August 28, 2026. The auspicious window for sisters to tie rakhis to their brothers on this day will last from 6:23 AM to 9:48 AM.
Lunar Eclipse Timings on Raksha Bandhan
According to Indian Standard Time, the lunar eclipse will begin on August 28 at 6:53 AM. The eclipse will officially come to an end at 12:32 PM in the afternoon. This is going to be a deep partial eclipse where a substantial portion of the moon will be obscured by the Earth's shadow. Notably, this marks the second lunar eclipse of the year.
Will the Lunar Eclipse Impact Raksha Bandhan Celebrations?
The lunar eclipse occurring on August 28, 2026, will not be visible from India. Because it cannot be seen domestically, the traditional sutak kaal period will also not be applicable. Consequently, the eclipse will have no adverse effect or interference whatsoever on the festival of Raksha Bandhan, allowing people to celebrate normally.
Charity Items to Donate on the Day of the Lunar Eclipse
According to traditional beliefs, making charitable contributions during or after an eclipse brings abundant blessings. Particular items carry special significance when donated on this day
- It is considered highly auspicious to donate white items on the day of a lunar eclipse. Giving away rice, sugar, and other white commodities helps appease planetary energies.
- People should donate money to the poor and needy according to their financial capacity during the eclipse window.
- Donating drinking water along with water vessels is also believed to bestow great spiritual rewards, helping individuals achieve success in all their endeavours.
- Giving garments as charity to those in need during the eclipse phase helps strengthen one's fortune and brings favorable outcomes.
