The festival of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on full moon day(Purnima) of Shravan Masa. As per the scriptures, Raksha bandhan should not be celebrated in the Bhadra (inauspicious)time of Shravani and Phalguni Nakshatra. According to a belief, King in Shravan Nakshatra and tying of thread(Rakhi) in Phalguni Nakshatra, is harmful for the public. Hence, while tying Rakhi, it is important to remember the auspiciousness to time.

This year Raksha bandhan will be celebrated on 11th August. Purnima tithi will start from 30th August 2024 in morning at 10:59 A.M and will last till 31th August 07:05. 11th August Bhadra is in the Morning till 10:38 A.M to 20:50. After this is Bhadra free and Raksha bandhan can be done. If the Raksha bandhan is to be done in Bhadra kaal then do it in Bhadra Poonchch Kaal and leave Bhadra Mukh kaal. 11th August Raksha bandhan time is from 10:38 to 18:18 and shubh Muhurta is from 20:51 to 21:13. Raksha bandhan pradosh kaal time is 20:08 to 22:18 and Bhadra poonchch in the morning from 17:17 to 18:18 and Bhadra mukh time is 18:18 to 20:00.

Preparation for tying of Rakhi(thread)

This day, sisters, after having bath etc. in the morning, prepare variety of dishes. After this, plate used for worshiping is decorated. Together with Rakhi, saffron, turmeric, rice, lamps, insence sticks, sweet and some money is kept in the plate. A suitable place is chosen for brother, to be seated.

First of all, the family God is worshiped. Brother is seated at the selected location. After this, auspicious mark on(Tilak) forehead of brother is made with saffron, turmeric and rice. Akshat(rice used in worship), scattered on head. Aarti is performed. Then, Rakhi is tied on the right wrist of brother. Money is moved around his head (as an act of removing evil eye) and, distributed among the poor.

On the day of Rakhsha Bandhan, sisters have food, only after tying Rakhi to their brother. Like the other festivals of India, on this festival also, gifts and dishes have their particular importance. On this festival, meal is taken after lunch. At this time, girls come from their ‘in-laws house’ to their parents home, covering long distances, in order to tie Rakhi and meet their brother. This day, the priest and Acharya(spiritual teacher or guru) reach their host(Yajman) home to tie Rakhi, and, in return accept money, clothes.

Mantra of Rakhsha Bandhan

While tying Rakhi, sister should chant the following mantra for the longevity of her brother.

येन बद्धो बलि राजा, दानवेन्द्रो महाबल: I
तेन त्वांमनुबध्नामि, रक्षे मा चल मा चल II

While tying of thread, chanting the above given mantra is considered auspicious. It says that, the protection thread which was used to tie the mighty demon, Bali, i am tying you the same protection thread, this thread will keep you safe.

Points of Consideration on Raksha Bandhan

The person, who wants to celebrate this festival, should take bath early in the morning and wear new clothes. After this, family god should be worship, then, Rakhi is also worship. Remember your ancestors and take the blessing of elders.

A colored thread can be taken as a Rakhi. This thread also be of silk. Gold, saffron, sandalwood, Akshat and grass is kept on the thread, and, worshiped. While worshiping, the person should fully concentrate on Puja, for whatever time, he is sitting in it.

After worshiping Rakhi(thread), brother is applied Tika(auspicious mark on forehead)of saffron, Roli and Akshat should be used. Rakhi is tied on the right hand.

Reciepes of Raksha Bandhan

No festival of India is complete without delicious dishes. For every festival some special dishes are prepared. Like, on Raksha Bandhan, Ghewar, Shakarpare, Namakpare etc. are made. Ghewar is used as the main sweet of Shravan Maas.

This sweet is eaten, throughout the month, in northern India. Additionally, a dish called Ghugni is prepared, which is eaten with curd and Puri. Halwa, Kheer and Puri are also, famous food of this festival.