Introduction
Raksha Bandhan,
also called Rakhi Purnima, is celebrated every year on Shravan
Purnima (Full Moon Day of the Hindu month of Shravan). This sacred festival
honors the bond between brothers and sisters, symbolizing love, protection, and
lifelong commitment. In 2026, Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on August 28.
Rituals of Raksha Bandhan
- Sisters wake up early, bathe, and
offer prayers.
- They visit their brothers to perform
the Rakhi ceremony.
- Rituals include:
- Performing aarti.
- Applying tilak (roli and rice
grains) on the brother’s forehead.
- Tying the sacred Rakhi thread
on his wrist.
- Offering sweets and
exchanging gifts.
- Brothers, in return, vow to protect
their sisters and often give them gifts as a token of love.
History & Legends
Yamuna & Lord Yama
- Yamuna tied Rakhi to her brother Yama,
the God of Death, every Shravan Purnima.
- Yama, touched by her devotion,
declared that brothers who receive Rakhi from their sisters would be
blessed with long life.
Krishna & Draupadi
- In the Mahabharata, Draupadi
once tore a strip of her sari to bandage Krishna’s bleeding wrist.
- Krishna, moved by her gesture,
accepted her as his sister and vowed to protect her always.
King Bali & Goddess
Lakshmi
- Lord Vishnu guarded King Bali’s
kingdom, leaving his abode in Vaikunth.
- Goddess Lakshmi, longing for her
husband, disguised herself and tied Rakhi to Bali.
- On learning her identity, Bali
released Vishnu to return with Lakshmi.
- This legend popularized the yellow
Rakhi tradition.
Regional Names &
Variations
- North & West India:
Rakhi Purnima.
- Western Ghats:
Nariyal Purnima (coconut offerings).
- South India:
Avani Avittam / Upakarmam (sacred thread changing ceremony).
- Central India:
Kajari Purnima.
- Western India:
Pavitrapana.
Raksha Bandhan 2026 Date
- August 28, 2026 (Shravan Purnima)
Significance
Raksha Bandhan is more
than a ritual; it is a celebration of family bonds, trust, and protection.
It unites siblings across India, transcending regional traditions while
reinforcing the universal message of love and duty.
Conclusion
Raksha Bandhan 2026 will be celebrated on August 28, bringing families together in devotion and joy. Whether called Rakhi Purnima, Nariyal Purnima, or Avani Avittam, the essence remains the same — a sacred bond of love and protection between brothers and sisters.