Raksha Bandhan, celebrated every year on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Sawan, is set to be unusually significant in 2026. According to astrological calculations, a rare planetary alignment last seen 70 years ago will allow sisters across the country to tie the sacred thread on their brothers' wrists at any point through the entire day. This combination is appearing for the first time in seven decades, which is why astrologers consider it exceptionally rare. Kashi based astrologer Swami Kanhaiya Maharaj said the festival will be observed nationwide on August 28.
No Bhadra shadow this year
For several years running, Raksha Bandhan celebrations have been affected by the inauspicious period known as Bhadra, which left sisters with only a narrow window to perform the ritual. This year, according to the Vedic Hindu calendar, Bhadra will end before sunrise itself on August 28, meaning the entire day remains free for the ritual. According to the astrologer, this Bhadra free day will come as a relief for sisters, since they will no longer need to wait for hours to tie rakhi. Swami Kanhaiya Maharaj noted that the day also carries a rare combination of the Shatabhisha Nakshatra and Atiganda Yoga, while the Moon will be transiting Aquarius, the zodiac sign ruled by Saturn, making the date astrologically significant.
Three best muhurats to tie rakhi
While Swami Kanhaiya Maharaj said rakhi can technically be tied at any time on August 28, three specific windows are considered the most auspicious. The first and most favourable muhurat falls between 6:36 am and 9:45 am. The second window runs from 12:03 pm to 12:53 pm in the afternoon, and the third auspicious period is in the evening, between 7:43 pm and 9:30 pm. According to the astrologer, tying rakhi during any of these three windows is believed to bring extra fortune to brothers.
Avoid the Rahukaal period
There is also a period on this otherwise auspicious day that sisters are advised to avoid altogether. Rahukaal will fall between 10:54 am and 12:02 pm on August 28. Hindu scriptures regard Rahukaal as inauspicious for any celebratory or ritual activity, and traditionally it is avoided for starting new work, prayers or ceremonial rituals. For this reason, tying the sacred thread during this window is best avoided.
