NEW DELHI : Raksha Bandhan 2026 falls on August 28, and the festival will be marked with the traditional celebration of the bond between brothers and sisters. This year, however, the occasion comes with a few timings that devotees may want to keep in mind, particularly Rahukaal and the lunar eclipse falling on the same day.
The combination has left many people wondering whether Rakhi can be tied during Rahukaal and whether the eclipse will affect the festival. According to astrological beliefs, the eclipse will not be visible in India, while the morning hours offer the more favourable window for the Rakhi ceremony.
Rahukaal timing on Raksha Bandhan
On Friday, August 28, Rahukaal will begin at 10:31 AM and continue until 12:07 PM. Religious beliefs consider this period unsuitable for auspicious and important ceremonies.
For those looking to avoid Rahukaal, it is considered better to tie Rakhi before it begins. The morning period before 9:48 AM is regarded as an auspicious time for the ceremony, making it the more convenient option for sisters.
Will the 2026 lunar eclipse affect Rakhi?
A partial lunar eclipse is also scheduled to take place on Raksha Bandhan this year, as the festival falls on the full moon. However, the eclipse will not be visible in India.
According to astrological beliefs, eclipse-related religious rules, including the sutak period, generally do not apply in places where the eclipse cannot be seen. This means people in India do not need to be particularly concerned about the eclipse while celebrating Raksha Bandhan.
Sisters can therefore tie Rakhi to their brothers as usual, without making special changes to the celebration because of the eclipse.
Raksha Bandhan 2026 shubh muhurat
Two auspicious timings have been mentioned for tying Rakhi on August 28. The first and more favourable window is from 5:57 AM to 9:48 AM. Tying Rakhi during this period is considered auspicious and fruitful.
If the morning window cannot be followed, the Abhijit Muhurat from 12:14 PM to 1:05 PM is another option. However, the morning muhurat is considered more suitable, especially since Rahukaal falls around the middle of the day.
For sisters planning the ceremony, the morning window therefore remains the most convenient and auspicious choice.
