This is year Raksha Bandhan falls on Saturday 9th August 2025.
Shubh Muhurtham for Raksha Bandhan
- 9th August 5:39am to 1:24pm
Raksha Bandhan is one of the most scared traditions for bothers and sisters all across India. It symbolises love, unity and family values installed in every Indian.
This festival also known as Rakhi in many parts of India shows respect, love and protection in familial relations.
Raksha means to protect and Bandhan mean binding this small thread that a sister ties around her brothers wrist is a commitment to protect her and vice versa from all things around.
Usually Rakhi falls on Purnima i.e full moon day in the month of Savan which means onset of rains as per Indian calender. It’s the last day of Savan as per North Indian Calender. In South and Maharastra Savan is considered from Amavasya I.e. no moon day. Therefore there is a 15 days difference in the calender.
This year Purnima falls on 2 days it starts at 1:40 pm on 8th August 2025 and culminates on 9th August 1:24pm. Since the morning of 9th is considered due to the sunrise it will be considered as Raksha Bandhan Day 2025
The Shubha Muhurtham is from 5:39 am to 1:23pm and then onwards the next month starts of Bhadrapada.
Origins and Significance of Raksha Bandhan
In several ancient text Raksha Bandhan is mention about how it started.
Indra and Sachi
Sachi is Lord Indra’s wife and during a battle between demons and Gods Saachi had tied a scared thread to protect Indra on this wrist. This was the earliest form of Raksha Bandhan celebrated in Vedic Culture.
Lord Krishna and Panchali
Panchali also known as Draupadi had once tore out a piece of her duppatta when she saw Krishna little finger was bleeding. She tied that on Krishna’s hand to stop the bleeding. Moved by her love and concern Krishna vowed to protect her. Ever since then sisters and brothers loving bond has been center of this festival.
Rani Karnawati and Kinf Humanyu
It is said that Rani Karnawati had sent a Rakhi to King Humayun and in return seeking help to protect her Kingdom against invasions. Upon recieeing the rakhi King Hymayun had sent his troops to protect her kingdom.
Rakhi had forever be a symbol of commitment, love and loyalty in the Indian subcontinent.
Traditional Customs of Raksha Bandhan
Preparations
The preparations for Raksha Bandhan usually begin a few days in advance:
Shopping for Rakhis: Sisters buy beautiful Rakhis — ranging from simple threads to elaborate, designer pieces.
Sweets and Gifts: Traditional sweets like laddoos, barfi, and rasgulla are prepared or purchased. Brothers and sisters often exchange gifts.
Pooja Thali: A decorative plate or ‘thali’ is arranged with Rakhi, kumkum (vermilion), rice grains (akshat), a diya (lamp), and sweets.
Rituals on the Day of Raksha Bandhan
Tying the Rakhi: Sisters perform an aarti (a ritual of prayer), apply a tilak on the brother’s forehead, and tie the Rakhi on his right wrist while chanting prayers for his well-being.
Promise of Protection: In return, the brother gives his sister a gift and promises to protect and support her through all challenges.
Feasting Together: Families share festive meals, sweets, and laughter, making the day joyful and memorable.
How to Celebrate Raksha Bandhan – Step-by-Step
1. Morning Preparations
Clean your home and prepare a sacred space for the ritual.
Bathe early and wear traditional attire.
Sisters can decorate the pooja thali with flowers, a lit diya, rice, tilak, sweets, and Rakhi.
2. Conducting the Ritual
Both brother and sister should sit facing east or north.
Sisters apply a tilak on the brother’s forehead, sprinkle rice over it, and tie the Rakhi on his wrist.
The sister may recite or chant prayers silently or aloud.
The brother gives a gift — either physical or in the form of blessings, money, or vows of protection.
End the ritual with the sharing of sweets.
3. Post-Celebration Activities
Enjoy a family meal together.
Click photographs to preserve memories.
Engage in storytelling, games, or watching Raksha Bandhan-themed movies or shows.
Unique Ways to Celebrate Raksha Bandhan
In today’s globalized world, not all siblings can be together physically. However, that doesn’t mean the celebration has to be any less meaningful. Here are several modern and creative ways to celebrate:
1. Virtual Raksha Bandhan
Arrange a video call with your sibling.
Send Rakhi and gifts in advance through online delivery services.
Perform the ritual virtually — tie a Rakhi on a photo or wrist figurine if the sibling is not physically present.
2. Eco-Friendly Rakhi
Choose Rakhis made from organic, recyclable, or biodegradable materials.
Some organizations offer Rakhis embedded with seeds that can be planted later.
3. Charity Rakhi
Donate to a cause in the name of your sibling — education for underprivileged children, healthcare, or animal shelters.
Gift handmade Rakhis made by self-help groups or differently-abled individuals.
4. Themed Celebrations
Host a Raksha Bandhan-themed party with traditional music, games, and decorations.
Create a scrapbook or video montage celebrating your sibling bond over the years.
Raksha Bandhan for Sisters Without Brothers (and Vice Versa)
The beauty of Raksha Bandhan lies in its spirit, which goes beyond blood relations. If someone doesn’t have a biological sibling, they can still partake in the joy of Rakhi in several ways:
Tie Rakhi to cousins, friends, or neighbors who feel like family.
Girls in schools and colleges sometimes tie Rakhis to soldiers, teachers, or classmates.
Some tie Rakhi to trees, rivers, or even animals, symbolizing a vow to protect nature and the environment.
Raksha Bandhan in Different Regions of India
Though the essence remains the same, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated differently across India
North India: It’s a grand family celebration with special emphasis on sweets, rituals, and gifting.
Maharashtra: Raksha Bandhan coincides with Narayali Purnima, celebrated by the fishing community. Naral meand coconut and it is offered to the sea because for fishing community everything comes from the sea and it is way of showing respect to the sea gods
South India: While not widely celebrated in the traditional sense, some regions observe similar customs.
Gujarat and Rajasthan: People tie Rakhi to deities and also observe Pavitropana, a ritual of purification.
Raksha Bandhan 2025 Gifts: Ideas for All Ages
For Brothers
Personalized accessories (wallets, keychains)
Tech gadgets (earbuds, fitness trackers)
Books or hobby kits
Grooming products
Gift cards
For Sisters
Jewelry or fashion accessories
Beauty and skincare hampers
Custom photo albums or framed memories
Handbags or traditional wear
Subscriptions (music, books, OTT platforms)
Handmade Gifts
If you’re inclined towards DIY, consider:
A handwritten letter or poem
A scrapbook of shared memories
Handmade greeting cards or knitted gifts
Decorated Rakhi boxes with personal messages
Celebrating Raksha Bandhan 2025 Across the Globe
With the Indian diaspora spread worldwide, Raksha Bandhan has found a global presence:
In countries like USA, Canada, UK, and Australia, Indian communities organize Rakhi fairs and cultural programs.
Many temples abroad hold special Raksha Bandhan ceremonies.
International shipping services now offer Rakhi delivery globally, helping bridge distances between siblings.
Lessons and Values of Raksha Bandhan
Beyond rituals and celebrations, Raksha Bandhan teaches profound life values:
Family unity and bonding
Respect and responsibility
Gender equality (with more sisters also vowing protection for their brothers)
Cultural identity and continuity
Raksha Bandhan fosters emotional connections and reminds us to cherish relationships in a fast-paced world.
Conclusion
Raksha Bandhan is more than a festive occasion — it’s a celebration of love, loyalty, and lifelong promises between siblings. Whether celebrated in traditional form or adapted to suit modern lifestyles, the essence remains timeless and heartfelt.
As you prepare to celebrate Raksha Bandhan, remember that the real spirit lies not in the grandeur of gifts or decoration, but in the genuine affection and commitment shared. So whether you’re tying a Rakhi across a wrist or a continent, let the day reflect your bond, your memories, and your love.
Have a wonderful fun filled day of Raskha Bandhan
love,
Aarti
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