Chandigarh: Raksha Bandhan is being celebrated across Punjab on Friday, August 28, with religious experts saying sisters can perform the traditional Rakhi ceremony without the usual concern over the Bhadra period this year.
According to Acharya Sohan Vedpathi of Shri Siddhpeeth Dandi Swami, the Purnima Tithi remains in effect from sunrise until 9:48 am on August 28. With sunrise in most parts of Punjab around 6 am, the morning period between 6 am and 9:48 am is being regarded as particularly suitable for tying Rakhi.
Astrologer Rachna Sharma said the full moon tithi is present at sunrise, making the morning hours favourable for the ceremony. However, she added that there is no restriction on performing the Rakhi ritual later in the day.
Bhadra Ends Before Sunrise
The presence or absence of Bhadra is traditionally considered an important factor while deciding the timing of Raksha Bandhan rituals.
Acharya Sohan Vedpathi said the Bhadra period will have already ended before sunrise on August 28. As a result, sisters will not have to postpone the ceremony because of Bhadra.
Experts also pointed out that the Udaya Tithi—the lunar date prevailing at sunrise—is generally considered significant for determining the festival date. This is why the Rakhi ceremony can be performed even after the morning Purnima window, according to the cited religious interpretations.
Panchak Also Underway
Although Bhadra does not pose an obstacle this year, the Panchak period began on August 27.
Astrologers have suggested that families following these traditions should first offer the Rakhi at their home shrine before tying it on the brother’s wrist.
Lunar Eclipse Will Not Affect Celebrations in India
A lunar eclipse is also scheduled for August 28, according to Acharya Sumit Vedpathi. However, the eclipse will not be visible from India.
As a result, the associated Sutak period and related religious restrictions will not apply to people observing the festival in India, the religious expert said.
This means Raksha Bandhan celebrations can continue normally across the country.
What Should Be Kept in the Rakhi Thali?
Families can prepare the traditional puja thali before beginning the ceremony. Common items include:
- Rakhi
- Roli or Kumkum
- Akshat, or unbroken rice
- Mauli or sacred thread
- Diya
- Flowers
- Sweets
Some families also add fruits, a coconut and a kalash of water depending on their customs.
The traditional ceremony generally begins with worship of the deity. The brother is then given a tilak, followed by the application of rice grains. After aarti, the Mauli is tied around his wrist before the Rakhi is tied.
Rakhi Traditions Extend Beyond Families
The festival is also being marked at several places across Punjab beyond traditional family gatherings.
Former Punjab minister and BJP leader Lakshmi Kanta Chawla traditionally visits the Attari border on Raksha Bandhan to tie Rakhis on the wrists of BSF personnel and pray for their safety. Other women and social organisations also participate in similar programmes with soldiers stationed at the border.
Special arrangements are also made at prisons during the festival. Sisters are allowed to meet their brothers who are lodged in jails, including undertrials and convicts, and tie Rakhis. Similar arrangements are made for women prisoners when brothers visit them.
Women Gather at Dandi Swami Temple
The festival also draws devotees to religious places in Ludhiana.
A large number of women are expected to visit the Shri Dandi Swami Temple, carrying Rakhis that are offered to Shri Dandi Swami Ji. Similar practices are followed at other temples, where devotees offer sacred threads and Rakhis to deities as part of their festival rituals.
With no Bhadra period affecting the morning ceremony and the lunar eclipse not visible in India, religious experts have described this year’s Raksha Bandhan as relatively straightforward for devotees following traditional timings.
