The festival of Raksha Bandhan, celebrated on the full moon day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Sawan, falls on Monday (August 19, 2024) this year.
Traditionally, sisters tie a rakhi on their brothers’ wrists, symbolising protection from sorrow and crisis. However, this year, the shadow of Bhadra will affect the timing of the Raksha Bandhan celebrations.
According to Shashi Pal Shastri, a renowned astrologer of Himachal, tying a rakhi during Bhadra is considered inauspicious according to the Hindu calendar. He explained that any auspicious activity, including tying rakhi during Bhadrakaal, is prohibited as it can lead to sorrow rather than the intended blessings.
Bhadra will begin at 5.53 am on Monday and last until 1.30 pm. Consequently, sisters will only be able to tie Rakhi after 1.31 pm. Shastri further advised that the most favourable time to tie rakhi will be between 1.31 pm and 4.25 pm. For those unable to tie rakhi during this period, the Pradosh Kaal, another auspicious time, will be from 6.56 pm to 9.08 pm.
As families prepare for Rakshabandhan, this timing adjustment will ensure that the festival is celebrated in a manner that aligns with traditional beliefs and customs, said Shastri.
