CulturalJul – AugLunar layoutDate varies

Raksha Bandhan - the Hindu festival of sibling bonds, observed on the full moon of Shravan

Raksha Bandhan (literally "the bond of protection") is a Hindu festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters, observed on the full moon (Purnima) of the Hindu month of Shravan (July-August). Sisters tie a protective thread (rakhi) on their brothers' wrists; brothers pledge to protect. Observed across India, Nepal, and the Hindu diaspora.

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Cultural celebrationPublished 14 de octubre de 2026

De un vistazoCultural celebration
Se observa en
INNP
Dónde se observa en 2 países
Cuándo
jul - ago
Frecuencia
Calendario lunar (la fecha cambia)
Tipo
Días libres
0 días - solo observación cultural
Estatuto público
Observancia cultural - no es día público legal
Última revisión: 14 de octubre de 2026
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Raksha Bandhan (literally "the bond of protection") is a Hindu festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. Observed on the full moon (Purnima) of the Hindu month of Shravan, it is one of the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals in India, Nepal, and the Hindu diaspora.

The one-line summary

Hindu festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. Observed on the full moon of Shravan. Sisters tie rakhis on brothers\' wrists; brothers give gifts and pledge protection.

~$200Mapproximate annual value of the rakhi (thread) market in India
Modern twistIn recent years, rakhis have been tied on soldiers, schoolchildren, and even political leaders as symbols of solidarity - especially during border tensions and national emergencies. The day has become a popular occasion for marketing campaigns by jewelry, sweets, and greeting card brands.

When it falls

Raksha Bandhan is observed on the full moon (Purnima) of the Hindu month of Shravan, falling in late July or August in the Gregorian calendar. In 2026, Raksha Bandhan falls on Saturday, August 22, 2026. In 2027, it falls on Wednesday, August 11, 2027. The exact Gregorian date shifts each year because the Hindu lunisolar calendar does not align with the Gregorian.

Origin and history

Raksha Bandhan has roots in Vedic and Puranic literature, with several origin narratives. The most cited is the story from the Mahabharata of Lord Krishna and Draupadi, in which Krishna cuts his finger while applying a war paste and Draupadi tears a strip of her sari to bandage his finger; Krishna promises to repay her protection at a moment of vulnerability, which he does during the Cheer Haran episode. Other origin stories reference Rani Karnavati and Mughal emperor Humayun in 1535 CE (the sister-sending-rakhi-for-protection narrative) and Alexander the Great\'s wife sending a rakhi to the Persian king.

Legal status

Raksha Bandhan is a restricted public holiday in India under the Negotiable Instruments Act. Banks, government offices, and most businesses close. The BSE and NSE close for the day. Schools typically close for the day. The day is widely observed even where it is not an official holiday.

How it is observed

Raksha Bandhan is observed with sisters performing a small puja (often including aarti and tilak), tying the rakhi on their brothers\' wrists, and praying for their brothers\' wellbeing. Brothers give gifts (often money, sweets, or clothing) and pledge to protect their sisters. Families gather for meals. Rakhis are also tied by cousins, close friends, and (in some traditions) on soldiers, neighbors, or community members as expressions of solidarity.

Regional variations

Raksha Bandhan is known by different names across India. In western India it overlaps with Narali Purnima (the coconut-offering festival celebrated by the Koli fishing community at the start of the fishing season). In southern India it overlaps with Avani Avittam (the Brahmin thread-renewal ceremony). In Nepal it is known as Janai Purnima, when the sacred thread (janai) is renewed. In parts of the Himalayan belt it is called Jhulan Purnima. The sibling-bond ritual of tying rakhis is common across regions.

Sibling-bond festivals across South Asia

Raksha Bandhan shares thematic DNA with Bhai Dooj (also called Bhau-Bij or Bhai Tika in Nepali), observed two days after Diwali, when brothers visit sisters' homes and sisters perform a tilak ceremony similar in spirit to the rakhi-tying. Bhai Phota in Bengal is another related observance tied to the same autumn lunar-window pattern. Together these form a regional cluster of sibling-bond festivals distinguished primarily by which Indian lunar month they fall in and the local ritual form. Rakhi itself has spread to Bangladesh (where it is observed by the Hindu minority) and to diaspora Hindu communities in the UK, US, Canada, Singapore, and Malaysia.

Modern observance

Raksha Bandhan has evolved in modern usage to include non-biological relationships: women sometimes tie rakhis on soldiers, schoolchildren, neighbors, or friends as expressions of solidarity. Some Indian political and social movements have used Raksha Bandhan for symbolic gestures (for example, women tying rakhis on soldiers during border tensions). The festival is widely commercialized in India, with the rakhi market valued at approximately $200 million USD annually.

Raksha Bandhan by the numbers

$200M+annual Indian rakhi market
~700Mpeople who observe raksha bandhan across South Asia
1535year referenced in the Rani Karnavati-Humayun origin narrative
Aug 222026 date of Raksha Bandhan (Shravan Purnima)

Sources

Preguntas frecuentes

When is Raksha Bandhan in 2026?

Saturday, August 22, 2026. Raksha Bandhan is observed on the full moon (Purnima) of the Hindu month of Shravan, falling in late July or August in the Gregorian calendar. The date shifts each year because the Hindu lunisolar calendar does not align with the Gregorian.

What is the meaning of Raksha Bandhan?

Raksha Bandhan (literally "the bond of protection") celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. On the day, sisters tie a protective thread (rakhi) on their brothers' wrists and apply a tilak, and brothers pledge to protect their sisters and traditionally give gifts. The festival emphasizes mutual duty, care, and affection within sibling relationships.

Is Raksha Bandhan a public holiday?

Yes in India. Raksha Bandhan is a restricted public holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act. Banks, government offices, and most businesses close. Schools are typically closed for the day. Stock markets (BSE, NSE) close. The day is widely observed even where it is not an official holiday.

Is Raksha Bandhan observed outside India?

Yes. Raksha Bandhan is observed across India, Nepal, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka, and by the Hindu diaspora in the UK, Canada, the US, Australia, and the Gulf states. It is also celebrated by some non-Hindu communities in India who adopt the practice (for example, among Sikh and Jain communities).

What is a rakhi?

A rakhi is a sacred thread (often decorated with beads, sequins, or charms) tied on a brother's wrist by his sister. The rakhi symbolizes the sister's love and prayers for her brother's wellbeing and the brother's vow to protect her. Traditional rakhis are simple threads of red and yellow silk; modern rakhis include designer versions with gold, silver, or personalized charms.

What are the regional variations of Raksha Bandhan?

Raksha Bandhan is known by different names across India: in the south it overlaps with Avani Avittam (a Brahmin thread-renewal ceremony), in western India it overlaps with Narali Purnima (a coconut-offering to the sea celebrated by the Koli fishing community), and in parts of the Himalayan belt it is observed as Janai Purnima (Nepal) or Jhulan Purnima. The core sibling-bond observance is common across regions.

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