Raksha Bandhan 2023: August 30 or August 31? The Right Date and Shubh Muhurat

Raksha Bandhan, also known as Rakhi, is a special Hindu festival that celebrates the strong and unbreakable bond between brothers and sisters. It happens on the full moon day in the month of Shravan (Sawan). During this festival, brothers and sisters show their love for each other through various customs.

Raksha Bandhan celebration

Sisters tie a sacred thread called Rakhi on their brothers' wrists, put a special mark on their forehead, and pray for their well-being and long life. In return, brothers promise to protect and care for their sisters and often give them gifts they love. 

Raksha Bandhan is on which date?

Now, the question arises, when exactly is Raksha Bandhan this year, on August 30 or August 31? To determine the date, we consider a specific time called "Bhadra Kaal." Bhadra Kaal has caused some confusion about the festival's date this year. Usually, Rakhi is celebrated on the last day of the Sawan month, which is a Full Moon day. According to Drik Panchang, here's the exact timing to celebrate Raksha Bandhan:

This year, Raksha Bandhan falls on August 30, which is a Wednesday. The auspicious time, or shubh muhurat, to tie Rakhi and perform the Raksha Bandhan rituals begins after 9:01 pm, once Bhadra ends.

Raksha Bandhan Shubh Mahurat

Bhadra end time: 9:01 pm

Bhadra Poonch (a specific period within Bhadra): 5:30 pm to 6:31 pm

Bhadra Mukha (another specific period within Bhadra): 6:31 pm to 8:11 pm

Additionally, the Full Moon or Poornima Tithi starts on August 30 at 10:58 a.m. and ends on August 31 at 7:05 a.m.

Raksha Bandhan traditions

The Raksha Bandhan customs involve several steps. The sister performs a special prayer for her brother's long life, does an aarti (a religious ritual involving light), ties the Rakhi, applies a mark on his forehead, and offers him sweets. In return, brothers express their love by giving their sisters gifts or money.

Traditionally, the afternoon is considered the most auspicious time to celebrate Raksha Bandhan. However, if Bhadra Kaal conflicts with this time, the rituals can be performed after it ends to ensure a harmonious celebration.

- PTC PUNJABI