TNR News Network
Chandigarh: This year’s Raksha Bandhan, falling on Saturday (August 9) comes with a clear advisory from noted astrologer Acharya Om Prakash: the most auspicious time or shubh muhurat to tie the sacred rakhi is between 5.47 am and 1.24 pm.
Speaking to The Newz Radar, Acharya Om Prakash said the Purnima Tithi — the full moon phase of the lunar month — will begin on August 8 at 2.12 pm and end on August 9 at 1.24 pm. “The rakhi ceremony should ideally be performed during Purnima and this year the morning hours on August 9 are both astrologically potent and free from inauspicious influences,” he said.
One such inauspicious influence is the Bhadra period, which, as per Hindu tradition, should be avoided for tying rakhi. “Bhadra will conclude before sunrise on Raksha Bandhan day, so devotees will have an uninterrupted auspicious window right from early morning till the Purnima Tithi ends,” Acharya Om Prakash explained.
In traditional Panchang calculations, the Aparahna Muhurat — the late afternoon period — is considered shubh muhurat for many Purnima rituals. However, Acharya Om Prakash pointed out a rare mismatch this year. “The Aparahna Muhurat on August 9 falls between 1.41 pm and 2.54 pm, but by then, the Purnima Tithi would have ended at 1.24 pm. Hence, those who want to follow the shastra in its purest form should complete the rakhi tying ceremony in the morning,” he advised.
The Acharya emphasised that beyond astrology, the festival’s essence lies in the bond between siblings. “Timings add spiritual strength to the ritual, but the love and blessings exchanged are the real power behind Raksha Bandhan,” he said.
Raksha Bandhan, celebrated on the full moon of the Shravan month, symbolises the sister’s prayers for her brother’s long life and the brother’s vow of protection. Families across India and abroad are expected to gather early this year, aligning with the shubh muhurat prescribed by Acharya Om Prakash.
“Performing the ceremony in the given time ensures the blessings of Chandra Dev (the Moon God) and strengthens the emotional and spiritual connection between siblings,” the Acharya said.
