look news india
Raksha Bandhan (2026), the great festival of unwavering love and trust between brother and sister, is being celebrated this year amidst many important astrological and astronomical events. While on one hand lunar eclipse and Bhadra are being discussed on Saavan Purnima, on the other hand the shadow of ‘Panchak’ is also looming over the festival. In Sanatan tradition and astrology, there are many strict rules regarding Bhadra, eclipse and Panchak. In such a situation, it is natural that this question arises in the minds of sisters whether Rakhi can be tied during Panchak, and what special precautions are necessary to be followed during this time.
Raksha Bandhan 2026: When is Sawan Purnima and time to tie Rakhi?
According to the Panchang, the full moon date of Shukla Paksha of Sawan month will start from the morning of 27 August 2026 and will remain from 09:48 to 09:50 am on 28 August 2026.
In view of Udayatithi and the position of Bhadra, the festival of Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated only on Friday, 28 August 2026.
-
Best auspicious time to tie Rakhi: From sunrise (05:57 am) to morning on 28 August 2026 at 09:48 (Till the end of Purnima Tithi) is the most fruitful and scriptural time.
Shadow of Bhadra: Will there be any disruption on 28th August?
There is a clear rule of astrology that Raksha Sutra should never be tied during Bhadra period. It is believed that Ravana’s sister Shurpanakha had tied the Raksha Sutra to him during the Bhadra period itself, which led to the destruction of his clan.
It is a matter of relief that in the year 2026, Bhadra will end on the night of 27th August (approximately 09:32 to 09:34 pm). so There will be no defect of Bhadra on the day of Raksha Bandhan on the morning of 28th August 2026.. Sisters will be able to tie Rakhi to their brothers from morning sunrise till the end of the full moon without any fear of Bhadra.
What will be the effect of lunar eclipse and Sutak period?
The lunar eclipse occurring on August 28, 2026 is a partial/penumbra astronomical event. According to astrological rules:
-
If the effect of the eclipse is not visible at the local level or there is a shadow, then its religious Sutak period is not valid.
-
Additionally, since the time of the eclipse is after noon/evening, it will not have any negative impact on the Rakhi Muhurta in the morning. Hence all the Manglik and puja rituals can be performed uninterruptedly before 09:48 am.
Shadow of Panchak: Is tying Rakhi prohibited in Panchak?
In astrology, when the Moon transits in Aquarius and Pisces, that period of 5 days is called ‘Panchak’. There are many misconceptions in the society regarding Panchak, but its clear rules are fixed in the scriptures:
-
What actions are prohibited: During Panchak, special rules related to traveling towards the south, roofing the house (lintar), collecting wood or fuel, making a new bed/cot and performing the last rites are followed.
-
Effect on auspicious and auspicious works: Panchak is not an inauspicious period, rather it is an energy-specific yoga. Panchak has no negative impact on sacred, protective and family rituals like Raksha Bandhan.
-
No ban on tying Rakhi: Tying the Raksha Sutra is a security resolution (Raksha Vidhan), not a construction work. Therefore, tying Raksha Sutra on brother’s wrist during Panchak is considered completely scriptural and auspicious.
Keep these 4 things in mind while tying Rakhi during Panchak
To avoid negative energy during Panchak and get full results of the puja, follow some simple rules:
Always make your brother sit facing East or North; Never tie Rakhi facing south.
Before tying Rakhi, offer the first Raksha Sutra to Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva so that all the planetary defects are pacified.
Keep Akshat (unbroken rice), Roli, sandalwood, ghee lamp and fresh sweets in the plate.
After giving tilak to the brother, make sure to put a handkerchief or cloth on his head and only after performing the aarti, tie Raksha Sutra by tying three knots on his wrist.
The disruption of Bhadra on Raksha Bandhan 2026 is not on the main festival day. The effect of Panchak does not become a hindrance in tying the Raksha Sutra. All sisters can celebrate this holy festival with peace of mind in the auspicious time of the morning on 28th August and pray for the longevity, happiness and prosperity of their brothers.