Raksha Bandhan 2026: date and rakhi muhurat
Raksha Bandhan is on Thursday, 27 August, 2026. In New York, the afternoon (aparahna) window is 2:16 pm to 4:56 pm. Purnima runs from 11:42 pm, 26 Aug to 12:25 am, 28 Aug.
About Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on Shravana Purnima. Sisters tie a rakhi on their brothers' wrists and pray for their wellbeing, and brothers promise their protection. The same full moon is Jandhyala Purnima or Avani Avittam in the South, when the sacred thread is renewed.
How the timing is decided
Rakhi is traditionally tied in the afternoon (aparahna) while Purnima prevails, avoiding Bhadra, the first half of Purnima. When Bhadra covers the afternoon, the tying moves to the next morning if Purnima continues for at least three muhurtas after sunrise.
What to do
- Tie the rakhi outside Bhadra
- Apply tilak and share sweets
- Renew the sacred thread if your family follows Upakarma
Raksha Bandhan 2026 muhurat by city
Purnima runs from 11:42 pm, 26 Aug to 12:25 am, 28 Aug (Indian Standard Time).
| City | Date | Puja window | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 27 Aug | 2:16 pm to 4:56 pm | 7:36 pm |
| Hyderabad | 28 Aug | 6:01 am to 9:55 am | 6:32 pm |
| Delhi | 28 Aug | 5:57 am to 9:55 am | 6:47 pm |
| Mumbai | 28 Aug | 6:22 am to 9:55 am | 6:56 pm |
| Chennai | 28 Aug | 5:57 am to 9:55 am | 6:22 pm |
| Bengaluru | 28 Aug | 6:08 am to 9:55 am | 6:33 pm |
| Kolkata | 28 Aug | 5:17 am to 9:55 am | 5:57 pm |
| Vijayawada | 28 Aug | 5:53 am to 9:55 am | 6:23 pm |
| Visakhapatnam | 28 Aug | 5:42 am to 9:55 am | 6:14 pm |
| Pune | 28 Aug | 6:19 am to 9:55 am | 6:52 pm |
| Ahmedabad | 28 Aug | 6:20 am to 9:55 am | 7:01 pm |
| Jaipur | 28 Aug | 6:04 am to 9:55 am | 6:51 pm |
| Lucknow | 28 Aug | 5:43 am to 9:55 am | 6:30 pm |
Windows follow the traditional rule for this festival and the tithi timing for each city. Tithi times are approximate, usually within about 30 minutes, so for a vrata or homam confirm the exact muhurat with your purohit.
Also on Thursday, 27 August in New York
- Rahu Kalam2:36 pm to 4:16 pm
- Sunrise and sunset6:18 am and 7:36 pm
- Moonrise and moonsetMoonrise 7:24 pm, moonset 5:34 am
- Tithi at sunrisePurnima
- NakshatraDhanishta
Raksha Bandhan 2026 Choghadiya in New York
Many families, especially in Gujarat and Rajasthan, choose the puja or shopping time on Raksha Bandhan from the Choghadiya. Amrit, Shubh and Labh are the good periods; Char also suits travel.
| Time | Choghadiya | Quality |
|---|---|---|
| 6:18 am to 7:57 am | Shubh | Good |
| 7:57 am to 9:37 am | Rog | Avoid |
| 9:37 am to 11:17 am | Udveg | Avoid |
| 11:17 am to 12:57 pm | Char | Weak |
| 12:57 pm to 2:36 pm | Labh | Good |
| 2:36 pm to 4:16 pm | Amrit | Good |
| 4:16 pm to 5:56 pm | Kaal | Avoid |
| 5:56 pm to 7:36 pm | Shubh | Good |
| 7:36 pm to 8:56 pm (night) | Amrit | Good |
| 8:56 pm to 10:16 pm (night) | Char | Weak |
| 10:16 pm to 11:37 pm (night) | Rog | Avoid |
| 11:37 pm to 12:57 am (night) | Kaal | Avoid |
| 12:57 am to 2:18 am (night) | Labh | Good |
| 2:18 am to 3:38 am (night) | Udveg | Avoid |
| 3:38 am to 4:58 am (night) | Shubh | Good |
| 4:58 am to 6:19 am (night) | Amrit | Good |
Questions people ask
When is Raksha Bandhan in 2026?
Raksha Bandhan is on Thursday, 27 August, 2026.
What is the Raksha Bandhan 2026 rakhi muhurat in New York?
In New York, the afternoon (aparahna) window is 2:16 pm to 4:56 pm. Purnima runs from 11:42 pm, 26 Aug to 12:25 am, 28 Aug.
Why is Raksha Bandhan celebrated?
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on Shravana Purnima. Sisters tie a rakhi on their brothers' wrists and pray for their wellbeing, and brothers promise their protection.