Raksha Bandhan 2025: Raksha Bandhan, the sacred festival celebrating the unbreakable bond of love and trust between brothers and sisters, will be observed this year on 9 August 2025. According to astrology, this Raksha Bandhan coincides with a rare planetary alignment that is occurring after 297 years, greatly enhancing the festival’s significance. The last such alignment happened in 1728. On this special occasion, the planetary positions and auspicious timings make the celebration even more remarkable.
On Raksha Bandhan this year, the planetary positions will be as follows:
Sun & Mercury: In Cancer
Moon: In Capricorn
Mars: In Virgo
Jupiter & Venus: In Gemini
Rahu: In Aquarius
Ketu: In Leo
This exact alignment also occurred during Raksha Bandhan in 1728. At that time, as now, there was no Bhadra period, which is considered inauspicious for tying rakhi. Additionally, from 5:47 AM to 2:23 PM, there will be Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga, making the day even more auspicious. Tying rakhi during this time is believed to bring happiness, prosperity, and well-being into a brother’s life.
Rakhi tying time: 9 August, 5:47 AM to 1:24 PM
Abhijit Muhurta: 12:00 PM to 12:53 PM
Purnima Tithi begins: 8 August, 2:12 PM
Purnima Tithi ends: 9 August, 1:24 PM
While tying the rakhi, chant the following mantra:
"Om yena baddho Bali raja danavendro mahabalah, tena tvamapi badhnami raksha ma chala ma chala"
This mantra strengthens the sibling bond and invokes divine blessings for the brother’s protection.
Three knots should be tied while fastening the rakhi, each carrying a special meaning:
First knot – For the brother’s long life, happiness, and prosperity.
Second knot – Symbolizing the eternal love and trust between siblings.
Third knot – Reminding the brother of his duty to uphold righteousness, truth, and protect his sister.
The brother should face east, north, or northeast.
Seat him on a proper mat or seat.
Apply a tilak on his forehead and perform his aarti.
While reciting the protective mantra, tie the rakhi on his right wrist.
Pray silently for his long life and happiness.
Finally, offer him sweets.
According to Hindu tradition, there are two popular legends about the origin of Raksha Bandhan:
Draupadi and Lord Krishna – When Lord Krishna injured his finger with the Sudarshan Chakra, Draupadi tore a piece of her sari and tied it to his finger. In return, Krishna accepted her as his sister and vowed to protect her.
Goddess Lakshmi and King Bali – Goddess Lakshmi tied a rakhi to King Bali, making him her brother, and requested the return of Lord Vishnu from the netherworld.
On 9 August 2025, the Sawan Purnima ends at 1:26 PM. If a sister is unable to tie rakhi before this time, it is not considered inauspicious to do so later. Since Purnima remains in the Udaya Tithi for over 2 hours, tying rakhi in the afternoon is still auspicious.
If rakhi must be tied during Rahukaal, the following remedies should be performed:
First, worship Goddess Durga.
Offer the rakhi to the goddess.
Then tie it to your brother’s wrist as prasad to neutralize any negative effects of Rahukaal.
Story 1: King Bali and Goddess Lakshmi
During the Ashwamedha Yajna, King Bali promised Lord Vishnu (in his Vamana avatar) three paces of land. With two steps, Vishnu measured the heavens and the underworld, and for the third step, Bali offered his head. Pleased, Lord Vishnu promised to stay with him. Concerned, Goddess Lakshmi, on Narada Muni’s advice, tied a rakhi to Bali, making him her brother, and requested Vishnu’s return. This is said to mark the beginning of the Raksha Bandhan tradition.
Story 2: Draupadi and Lord Krishna
After killing Shishupala, Krishna’s finger was cut by the Sudarshan Chakra. Draupadi tore her sari to bandage the wound. Touched, Krishna accepted her as his sister and vowed to protect her — a promise he fulfilled during the cheer haran incident by preserving her honor.