Raksha Bandhan 2025: How Long Should Rakhi Be Worn? Know Traditions and Rules

Raksha Bandhan 2025: The festival of Raksha Bandhan is a symbol of the unbreakable love and trust of brother and sister. On this day, sisters tie a rakhi on their brother's wrist and wish for their long life and happiness and prosperity, while brothers promise to protect their sisters. But often this question comes to mind: after the festival of Rakhi is over, for how many days should it be kept tied on the wrist? Should it be removed immediately, or is there any special rule for this? Let us know the answer to this question according to religious beliefs and traditions.

Religious beliefs and rules

From the full moon till the next 15 days

In Sanatan Dharma, it is considered inauspicious to remove any auspicious work or holy object immediately. According to religious beliefs, Rakhi is considered a protective thread that protects the brother. Therefore, it is auspicious to keep it tied for the entire 15 days. This period is also called the 'fifteen-day festival,' which further strengthens the brother-sister relationship.

Right time to drop off

According to some beliefs, the rakhi should be kept tied till Janmashtami. This year, Rakshabandhan is on 9 August and Janmashtami is on 15 August. Keeping the rakhi on the wrist during this time is considered extremely auspicious. After Janmashtami, when you remove the rakhi, keep it in a holy place, like under a tree, or immerse it in water.

Tradition of wearing it till Dussehra

In some areas, there is also a tradition that Rakhi is worn till Dussehra. The festival of Dussehra symbolizes the victory of good over evil. The Rakhi tied on the brother's wrist acts as a shield for him and protects him from every evil. It is considered auspicious to remove the Rakhi only after Dussehra.

16-day rule

According to astrology and Panchang, keeping Rakhi tied on the wrist for 16 days is very fruitful. This period is called the 'fifteen-day festival,' which includes the next 15 days from the full moon. On the 16th day, the Rakhi should be removed and immersed in a river or water body. It is believed that doing so ensures the long life and success of the brother.

The right way to remove Rakhi

Rakhi should never be thrown away just like that. It is a sacred thread and should be removed with respect. After removing the Rakhi, it is considered best to float it in flowing water. This thread takes all the troubles and negative energy of the brother with it. If there is no river nearby, then the Rakhi can be kept under a tree or at some holy place. On the other hand, if the Rakhi breaks or becomes dirty, then it is auspicious to bid farewell to it by placing it near a Tulsi plant with prayers.