Raksha Bandhan 2025: A Celebration of Sibling Bonds and Cultural Heritage
Date: August 9, 2025 (Saturday)
Occasion: Raksha Bandhan — a festival that symbolizes the enduring bond of love, protection, and respect between siblings.
“Normally, the afternoon is the most good time to tie Rakhi, but occasionally this time falls during Bhadra, thus it is permissible to undertake the ceremony during Pradosh Kaal instead. With that said, what day is Rakhi this year? People are unsure about the precise shubh muhurat (auspicious time) for tying Rakhi and if it happens on August 8 or 9. So, let’s address all of your inquiries in this piece.
The Essence of Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan, also known as Rakhi, is one of India’s most cherished festivals. On this day, sisters tie a sacred thread (rakhi) on their brothers’ wrists, praying for their well-being, while brothers vow to protect their sisters in every stage of life. This tradition transcends biological relationships, as many also tie rakhis to cousins, close friends, and even soldiers, reflecting a broader message of unity and care.
Shubh Muhurat and Rituals (2025)
In 2025, “On 9th August 2025, Raksha Bandhan rituals can be performed until 1:23 PM. On this day, the auspicious Ayushman and Saubhagya yogas, along with the Sthir yoga, will prevail. The shubh muhurat (auspicious time) to tie Rakhi on 9th August is from 5:39 AM to 1:24 PM. The Bhadra period will be in effect from 2:12 PM on 8th August until 1:52 AM on 9th August.
Celebrations Across India
From vibrant markets selling handcrafted rakhis to homes filled with sweets, music, and laughter, Raksha Bandhan brings a wave of emotional and festive energy. Sisters prepare pooja thalis adorned with rakhis, sweets, diya, and rice. After performing aarti and tying the rakhi, gifts are exchanged, and traditional dishes like kheer, barfi, and laddoos are enjoyed by all.
In recent years, the festival has taken on modern meanings too — celebrating gender equality and siblinghood across all identities. Some sisters also tie rakhis to each other or receive rakhis from younger brothers.
Celebrating Beyond Borders
The Indian diaspora across the world, from the U.S. to the UK, UAE to Australia, also celebrates Raksha Bandhan with great enthusiasm. Digital platforms, courier services, and online gifting have made it easier for siblings separated by distance to keep the tradition alive.
Raksha Bandhan in the Digital Age
Social media was filled with #Rakhi2025 and #RakshaBandhan2024 posts where people shared heartfelt memories, throwback pictures, and videos of surprise reunions. Influencers and celebrities, too, took to platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) to share their Raksha Bandhan moments.
Final Thoughts
Raksha Bandhan 2025 was more than just a festival — it was a reminder of love, loyalty, and the power of familial connections in a fast-paced world. As India celebrated this beautiful bond, it once again proved that traditions evolve, but the emotions behind them remain timeless.
1. When is Raksha Bandhan in 2025?
Answer: Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on 9th August 2025 (Saturday). The shubh muhurat for tying Rakhi is from 5:39 AM to 1:24 PM.
2. What is the significance of Raksha Bandhan?
Answer: Raksha Bandhan celebrates the sacred bond between siblings. Sisters tie a rakhi (sacred thread) on their brothers’ wrists, praying for their prosperity and well-being, while brothers vow to protect them.
3. Can Raksha Bandhan be celebrated after 1:24 PM in 2025?
Answer: In 2025, it is recommended to perform Raksha Bandhan rituals before 1:24 PM, as that is when the shubh muhurat ends. Celebrating after this time is not considered astrologically favorable.
4. What is the Bhadra period and why should Rakhi not be tied during it?
Answer: The Bhadra period is considered inauspicious for Raksha Bandhan rituals. In 2025, it begins on 8th August at 2:12 PM and ends on 9th August at 1:52 AM. Tying Rakhi during Bhadra is traditionally avoided as it is believed to bring negative outcomes.
5. Can sisters tie Rakhi to someone other than their brothers?
Answer: Yes. Rakhi can also be tied to cousins, friends, mentors, or soldiers, symbolizing protection and love. In modern times, the ritual has extended beyond biological relationships.
6. What are the astrological yogas on Raksha Bandhan 2025?
Answer: On 9th August 2025, Ayushman Yoga, Saubhagya Yoga, and Sthir Yoga will be in effect — all considered highly auspicious for performing spiritual and family rituals like Rakhi tying.
7. How is Raksha Bandhan celebrated internationally?
Answer: Indians living abroad celebrate Raksha Bandhan with equal enthusiasm. Online gifting, virtual Rakhi tying, courier services, and social media make it easier to celebrate despite the distance.
8. What are some traditional foods prepared during Raksha Bandhan?
Answer: Common festive dishes include kheer, barfi, laddoos, puri, chole, and other sweets and savories, adding to the joyous spirit of the celebration.
9. Has the meaning of Raksha Bandhan evolved in recent years?
Answer: Yes. Today, Raksha Bandhan also celebrates gender equality, inclusivity, and emotional bonds beyond traditional norms. Many sisters exchange rakhis with each other or even tie them to younger siblings.
10. What should be included in a traditional Rakhi pooja thali?
Answer: A Rakhi thali usually contains rakhis, roli (kumkum), rice grains (akshat), a diya (lamp), sweets, and sometimes a coin or gift — all symbolizing blessings, purity, and affection.
Add Business Connect magazine to your Google News feed