Raksha Bandhan 2023: Is Raksha Bandhan on 30 or 31 August? Check Date, Timings, Shubh Muhrat & More

When is Raksha Bandhan 2023: Raksha Bandhan is one of the most popular and traditional Hindu festivals. The day celebrates the special bond between brothers and sisters. Also known as Rakhi, it is celebrated mostly in all parts of the country with different names, rituals, and cultural and historical significance.

सभी देशवासियों को रक्षा बंधन के पावन पर्व की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ! यह त्योहार भाई-बहन के अटूट प्रेम का प्रतीक है और अत्यंत उत्साह के साथ मनाया जाता है। आइए, इस शुभ अवसर पर हम देश में महिलाओं के लिए अधिक सुरक्षित और समानतापूर्ण वातावरण बनाने का संकल्प लें।

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 30, 2023

प्रधानमंत्री नरेन्द्र मोदी जी ने सोशल मीडिया में धरती माँ द्वारा चंद्रयान-3 के रूप में चंद्रमा को भेजी गयी राखी की बातों को शेयर करते हुए देशवासियों को आने वाले रक्षाबंधन के पर्व की शुभकामनायें दी। देखिये उनका यह वीडियो।#AmritMahotsav #Chandrayaan3Landing #MainBharatHoon pic.twitter.com/fxlklWw2DU

— Amrit Mahotsav (@AmritMahotsav) August 29, 2023

This article will clear the air around the date of Raksha Bandhan. Also, it will help you with Purnima timing, Bhadra kaal and Shubh Muhurat to celebrate the festival of siblings.

What is Bhadra Kaal? Why Is It Considered Inauspicious To Tie Rakhi During This Period?

When is Raksha Bandhan August 30 or 31?

Raksha Bandhan is a Sanskrit word which literally means bond protection, obligation, or care. It is observed on the last day of the Hindu lunar calendar month of Shraavana, which typically falls in August. According to Drik Panchang, this year the festival will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 30. However, because of Bhadra Kaal, you can also tie Rakhi on August 31. 

Why is Raksha Bandhan being celebrated on two days?

This year Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on two different dates. And this is because of Bhadra. Bhadra Kaal is an inauspicious time frame according to Hindu Astro science, and people are advised to not get engaged in any kind of good or sacred activities. 

The full moon on August 30 coincides with the span of Bhadra which will end around 9 p.m in the night. This celestial placement has resulted in the two-day celebration of the Rakhi festival.

How is Rakhi celebrated in different parts of India?

Raksha Bandhan holds a deep socio-cultural significance. It fosters broader cultural values, embodies unity and is celebrated beyond the boundaries of religion and region. And this is the reason why the cherished festival is celebrated differently in all parts.

• Jhulan Purnima is a popular term used for Raksha Bandhan in the state of West Bengal. People worship lord Krishna and Radha. Sisters wish and pray for the long lives of their brothers while tying rakhi to their brothers. This day is celebrated by political organizations, workplaces, social groups, and educational institutions with renewed optimism for positive interactions.
• The Koli community of Maharashtra celebrate Raksha Bandhan as Narali Pournima which or coconut day festival. On this day, they offer coconuts to lord Varuna, the Hindu god of the sea to seek his blessings. Whereas, Raksha Bandhan is being celebrated by brothers and sisters as usual.
• One of the important parts of Raksha Bandhan is kite flying. In many regions of North India, married daughters visit their maternal homes or some brothers visit their married sisters with special sorts of sweets and other condiments. 
• Raksha Bandhan, also known as Janai Purnima or Rishitarpani in Nepal, is celebrated with a holy thread ceremony. In some regions of Nepal, girls and women tie the rakhi around their brothers' wrists while Hindu males alter the thread they wear around their chests (janai). 
• Rakhi Purnima and Gamha Purnima are other names for Raksha Bandhan in Odisha. The event of Gamha Purnima, which occurs on the same day as Lord Balabhadra's birthday and is observed by farmers in Odisha by tying rakhis to livestock, is named after the god of agriculture.

According to an instance of Vishnu Purana, Bali, a devotee of Lord Vishnu prayed and begged him for protection. Pleased with his devotion, lord Vishnu stayed with him disguised as a doorman. After a certain period of time, Goddess Laxmi too went to Bali pretending to be a homeless woman in dire need of help. Bali, the great king took her into his shelter. As a return of this kind gesture, Goddess Laxmi tied a colourful silk thread around his wrist and requested him to grant leave to her husband. Keeping the traditions, Bali fulfilled her sister's(goddess Laxmi) wish.

So, this Raksha Bandhan strengthen your bond with your sibling. Forgive them for eating that extra slice of your favourite cake, ruining your birthday dress and whatever they did to hurt you unintentionally. Shoo, all the misunderstandings to win extra hours of happiness.

Happy Raksha Bandhan!

Important Days and Dates in August 2023