Raksha Bandhan 2026 is just around the corner, and families across India and the world are preparing for this special celebration of the bond between siblings.
If you are searching for the exact Raksha Bandhan celebration 2026 timing to plan your ceremony, you have come to the right place. This year, there is some confusion about the date, but I have gathered the latest and most accurate details from authentic sources to clear it up for you.
When Is Raksha Bandhan 2026?
Raksha Bandhan 2026: The Correct Date
The most important thing to know is that Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on Friday, August 28, 2026 . While the Purnima Tithi begins on August 27, the main Rakhi-tying ceremony, which must avoid the inauspicious Bhadra period, falls on the 28th.
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This can be confusing, but the rule is simple: you should never tie the Rakhi during the Bhadra period. In 2026, Bhadra is in effect on August 27, so the ceremony is moved to August 28 when Bhadra ends before sunrise.
Shubh Muhurat: Exact Rakhi Tying Timings
Now, for the most important detail: the exact Raksha Bandhan celebration 2026 timing. The most auspicious time to tie the Rakhi is during the Aparahna period, which falls in the late morning.
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Overall Auspicious Window: The general Rakhi-tying muhurat for most parts of India is from 5:57 AM to 9:48 AM on August 28.
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Bhadra End Time: The good news is that Bhadra ends before sunrise on August 28, so you don't need to worry about this inauspicious period.
For those in Mumbai, the exact muhurat is from 6:22 AM to 9:48 AM.
Here are the city-wise timings for your convenience:
| City | Rakhi Tying Muhurat (August 28) |
|---|---|
| Delhi/Noida/Gurugram | 5:57 AM - 9:48 AM |
| Mumbai | 6:23 AM - 9:48 AM |
| Bengaluru | 6:08 AM - 9:48 AM |
| Chennai | 5:58 AM - 9:48 AM |
| Kolkata | 5:18 AM - 9:48 AM |
| Pune | 6:19 AM - 9:48 AM |
| Ahmedabad | 6:21 AM - 9:48 AM |
| Jaipur | 6:04 AM - 9:48 AM |
| Hyderabad | 6:01 AM - 9:48 AM |
A Quick Pro Tip: These timings are based on specific cities. If you are living abroad, make sure to follow your local Panchang for the most accurate timings, as the date and muhurat can change with time zones .
The Story Behind the Ad: Kriti Sanon and the Raksha Bandhan Debate
Beyond the timings, there has been a lot of buzz around a Raksha Bandhan advertisement. The jewellery brand Giva released an ad featuring Bollywood actor Kriti Sanon.
The ad intended to "extend the love and celebration to our pets," showing the actor tying a rakhi to her dog.
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However, the Kriti Sanon Raksha Bandhan ad quickly became controversial. Many people, including actor and politician Kangana Ranaut, criticized the ad.
They questioned Sanon's outfit in the ad, which was a contemporary ethnic look, saying it was inappropriate for the traditional festival.
Kriti Sanon defended herself on social media, stating, "The essence of festivals is not in the clothes you wear, it is in the emotions and meaning you hold for the traditions. Culture & Traditions are in her heart, not in her neckline!"
She also clarified her decision to tie a rakhi to her pet, explaining that for her, the festival is about protecting loved ones, which includes her pets, and that she and her sister also tie rakhi to each other as a symbol of protection .
Despite her defence, Giva officially withdrew the advertisement, stating, "If our recent advertisement has inadvertently hurt the sentiments of some segments of society, that was not our intent at all.
Out of respect, we have withdrawn the said advertisement from all media" . This incident sparked a larger debate about modern vs. traditional values, what is appropriate to wear during festivals, and whether it's okay to extend the festival's meaning to pets .
