Raksha Bandhan 2024: Bhadra Kaal and Auspicious Timings to Tie Rakhi

Rakshabandhan is one of the most popular Hindu festivals, celebrated all over India. The term Raksha Bandhan refers to a Sanskrit word which means bond, protection, obligation, or care. Although the festival involves many rituals in different communities of India, all of them involve tying a sacred thread called Rakhi. It is not just a traditional festival day but a significant day where every sister ties Rakhi on their brother’s wrist, praying for their good health and prosperous life in return of which the brother promises to protect her.

In this article we will cover  some important facts such as auspicious timings and Pujan Vidhi about Raksha Bandhan 2024, which will be celebrated on 19th August, Monday this year.

Muhurat to tie Rakhi on Raksha Bandhan

As per the Hindu Panchang (Lunar calendar), Raksha Bandhan Puja is celebrated every year on the Poonam or Poornima (Full Moon) Tithi, Shravana Shukla Paksha, on the last day of the Shravan month (August). The best time to tie Rakhi on Raksha Bandhan is during Apaharana which is considered to be late afternoon.

However, according to Hindu Shastra, Raksha Bandhan rituals should not be done during Bhadra Kaal. Bhadra Kaal is considered as an inauspicious time period, which should be avoided for all sorts of auspicious work. Most Hindu religious texts, including Vratraj, advise to avoid Bhadra Kaal time to tie Rakhi during Raksha Bandhan festival. 

Why is the Bhadra Kaal period an inauspicious time for tying Rakhi?

Goddess Bhadra is the daughter of Lord Sun and sister of Lord Shani Dev. It was believed that when she took birth, she was going to swallow Earth. This could have led to complete destruction. Bhadra created hurdles and problems during holy events such as Yagna, Havan, etc. This is why, Bhadra Kaal is never considered an auspicious time to celebrate any event or festival. 

Auspicious Timings to Tie Rakhi

As per the Panchang, auspicious muhurat for Raksha Bandhan on Shravan purnima this year is as follows:

• Raksha Bandhan Pujan Time: Afternoon 01:30 pm – Night 09:07 pm Duration: 7 hours and 38 minutes
• Aparahna Muhurat for Raksha Bandhan: Afternoon 01:42 pm – Evening 04:19 pm, Duration: 2 hours and 37 minutes
• Muhurat for Raksha Bandhan during Pradosh Kaal: Evening 06:56 pm – Night 09:07 pm Duration: 2 hours and 11 minutes

Why is Raksha Bandhan Celebrated?

The festival of Raksha Bandhan has been celebrated since ancient times. According to the ancient Hindu texts or Shastra, there was a war between Gods and Demons. King Brutra led the demons while Lord Indra led the Gods. There was a time when Lord Indra felt that they would be defeated by the demons. He approached Guru Brihaspa to win over demons. The Guru told him that he will tie a protection (Raksha) thread on his wrist on Shravan Purnima. Indra’s wife  Queen Indrani tied a sacred thread on Indra’s hand which later led to their victory over demons. created Raksha

It is also said that Draupadi tied a Rakhi to Krishna before he left for the great war in Mahabharata. Ever since then this ritual stood the test of time and was adapted by the people. Raksha Bandhan Puja signifies and celebrates the beautiful bond of brother and sister wherein the brother promises that he will always protect her sister throughout his life.

Puja Vidhi for Rakshabandhan

The following is the puja vidhi for Raksha Bandhan:

  1. Preparation of the puja

• Wake up early in the morning and take a bath. 
• Cleanse the puja area and collect the samagri such as Rakhi thread, turmeric powder, rice grains, sweets, flowers, incense sticks and a lamp.

  2. Worship of Raksha Potli

• Prepare the Raksha Potli by placing mustard, unbroken rice and golden thread inside a clean cloth.
• Light the lamp and incense sticks.
• Prepare a pooja thali with an oil lamp (diya), vermilion powder (roli), grains of rice, sweets, and rakhi. 

  3. Tying of Rakhi

• Tie Rakhi around the brother's wrist during Apaharana muhurta.
• Before tying Rakhi, sisters conduct an Aarti in front of her brother and apply a tilak with roli and then tie the Rakhi on his wrist.
• While tying Rakhi, recite prayers and seek blessings for his long life, happiness, and prosperity.

  4. Exchange of Gifts and Sweets

• After taking the vow of eternal love and protection, siblings exchange gifts and sweets 
• Sisters feed their brothers with sweets as a symbol of love and affection.
• Brothers, in return, offer gifts as tokens of their love and commitment.

Conclusion

Rakshabandhan puja is not just a festival. Rather it is a promise signifying unconditional love, protection and commitment between siblings. One can strengthen such a beautiful bond of love and respect towards your and other’s sisters.