Raksha Bandhan 2025 will be celebrated with the usual love and joy that mark this special bond between brothers and sisters. But this year, there is some confusion over the correct date. Some people believe Raksha Bandhan falls on August 8, while others are saying August 9 is the actual date. Here’s a simple explanation of the timing and the reasons behind it.
When Is Raksha Bandhan 2025 – Date And Time
As per the Hindu calendar, Raksha Bandhan is observed on the full moon day (Shravan Purnima). In 2025, the full moon begins on August 8 at 2:12 pm and ends on August 9 at 1:24 pm. Since Hindu traditions follow the sunrise-based Udaya Tithi, Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on August 9, 2025 (Saturday).
Another reason for confusion is Bhadra Kaal, a time period considered inauspicious for rituals. This year, Bhadra starts on August 8 at 2:12 pm and ends on August 9 at 1:52 am. That means the Rakhi tying ceremony should happen after 1:52 am on August 9, making it the most favourable day for Raksha Bandhan.
Shubh Muhurat For Raksha Bandhan 2025
The best time to tie Rakhi on August 9 is from 5:47 am to 1:24 pm. This gives a good window of 7 hours and 37 minutes for the ceremony. Other auspicious times on this day include:
Brahma Muhurat: 4:22 am to 5:02 am
Abhijeet Muhurat: 12:17 pm to 12:53 pm
Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga: 5:47 am to 2:23 pm
Saubhagya Muhurat: 4:08 am on August 9 to 2:15 am on August 10
Choosing the right muhurat helps make the ritual more spiritually meaningful.
Raksha Bandhan Rituals And Meaning
On Raksha Bandhan, sisters prepare a thali with roli, sandalwood, rice, curd, sweets, a ghee lamp, and the Raksha Sutra. They offer prayers first and then tie the sacred thread on their brother’s wrist.
This thread should ideally be made of red, yellow, and white threads. If possible, apply sandalwood to it. If nothing else is available, a simple Kalawa (sacred thread) can be used with devotion.
While tying the Rakhi, the heads of both brother and sister should be covered. After tying the thread, the sister does aarti, feeds sweets, and prays for her brother’s well-being. The brother promises protection and offers a gift in return. It’s best to avoid black clothes or spicy foods as gifts.
How Raksha Bandhan Traditions Are Changing
Earlier, Rakhi was tied only by sisters to brothers. Today, sisters tie Rakhi to other sisters, cousins, and even close friends. It’s a sign of how the festival is growing in meaning, beyond just family, to include anyone who shares love and support.
Raksha Bandhan 2025 Gift Ideas
Need Raksha Bandhan gift ideas for 2025? Here are a few:
1. Personalised items like photo mugs or custom bracelets
2. Eco-friendly rakhis made from seeds or cotton
3. Subscription boxes for books, snacks, or self-care
4. Digital gifts like OTT subscriptions, online classes, or e-books
Fun Facts About Raksha Bandhan
1. Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in Nepal, Mauritius, and some parts of Pakistan.
2. Rani Karnavati once sent a Rakhi to Emperor Humayun for protection.
3. Rabindranath Tagore promoted Raksha Bandhan to support unity during the Bengal partition.
