Raksha Bandhan 2024: Date, Timings, Rituals, and Significance

Raksha Bandhan, the festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters, is observed on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Sawan. On this day, sisters tie a rakhi (a sacred thread) on their brothers’ wrists, wishing for their long life and well-being. In return, brothers pledge to protect their sisters. This joyous festival, filled with love and affection, will be celebrated on August 19, 2024, this year. Let’s delve into the auspicious timings, rituals, and significance of Raksha Bandhan 2024.

When is Raksha Bandhan 2024?

Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on August 19, 2024. This day also coincides with the last Monday of the Sawan month, making it an even more auspicious occasion. However, this year, the full moon day of Sawan falls under the shadow of Bhadra, making it crucial to know the auspicious times to perform the rituals.

Bhadra Timings for Raksha Bandhan 2024

According to religious scriptures, no auspicious work should be done during Bhadra. Bhadra will start at 2:21 AM on August 18, 2024, and will end at 1:24 PM on August 19, 2024. Rakhi should not be tied during this period. The auspicious time to tie Rakhi is after the end of Bhadra.

Auspicious Timings for Raksha Bandhan 2024

The Purnima Tithi (full moon day) for Sawan begins at 3:44 AM on August 19, 2024, and ends at 11:55 PM on the same day. According to the Panchang, Raksha Bandhan should be celebrated on August 19, 2024, after the Bhadra period ends. The most auspicious time to tie Rakhi is from 1:26 PM to 6:25 PM.

Shubh Muhurat for Raksha Bandhan 2024

On the full moon day of Sawan, i.e., August 19, 2024, the auspicious time to perform the Rakhi ceremony will be from 1:32 PM to 4:20 PM. Another suitable time is during the Pradosh period, from 6:56 PM to 9:08 PM. Sisters can tie Rakhi on their brothers’ wrists during these times.

Significance and Rituals of Raksha Bandhan

On the day of Raksha Bandhan, brothers and sisters start the day by taking a bath and wearing clean clothes. They then perform a small prayer in front of the household deity. The Rakhi thali (plate) is prepared with Rakhi, kumkum (vermilion), rice grains, coconut, a small cloth for the head, ghee lamp, a pot of water, betel nut, thread, curd, and sweets.

Historical Significance of Raksha Bandhan

According to Hindu mythology, Draupadi tied a piece of her saree around Lord Krishna’s finger to stop the bleeding from a wound caused by the Sudarshan Chakra. Touched by her gesture, Krishna promised to protect Draupadi forever. He fulfilled this promise when she was publicly humiliated, ensuring her dignity and safety.

Raksha Bandhan is a beautiful festival that reinforces the bond of love and protection between brothers and sisters. This year, the festival will be celebrated on August 19, 2024, with auspicious times provided for performing the rituals. As sisters tie the sacred Rakhi on their brothers’ wrists, the promise of lifelong protection and love is reaffirmed, strengthening their relationship even further.