Raksha Bandhan 2026 On August 28: Lunar Eclipse To Coincide With Rakhi, Know Sutak Timings

New Delhi: The festival of Rakshabandhan will be celebrated on Friday, August 28 this year. This time a lunar eclipse is also falling on this festival of brother-sister. This is the reason why there are many questions among people regarding eclipse and Sutak. The good thing is that the partial lunar eclipse falling on August 28 will not be visible from India. Therefore, due to this, Sutak period will not be valid in India. Sisters can tie Rakhi in the normal way.

What is the almanac regarding the date of Rakshabandhan?

Rakshabandhan is celebrated on the day of Shravan Purnima. This year this festival is falling on 28th August. According to the Panchang, the Purnima Tithi will last till the morning of 28th August. For this reason, the tradition of tying Rakhi will be followed on this day. 

What time will the lunar eclipse occur on 28th August?

The eclipse occurring on August 28 is a partial lunar eclipse. According to Indian time, its shadow will start at around 6:54 am. The full shadow phase will begin around 8:04 am and the maximum impact of the eclipse will be around 9:43 am. After this the main phase of the eclipse will end at around 11:21 pm.

However, the Moon will not be visible in India during these times. Therefore people here will not be able to see this astronomical phenomenon.

Will there be Sutak period in India?

There is the most confusion regarding this question. The almanac available for Delhi clearly states that Sutak is not applicable because the eclipse will not be visible in India.

There are different traditions regarding eclipse and sutak in religious beliefs. Therefore families who follow their local tradition or any particular calendar can take decisions accordingly.

What will be the auspicious time to tie Rakhi?

The time for tying Rakhi on August 28 in Delhi is said to be from 5:57 am to 9:48 am. Purnima Tithi is also ending at 9:48 am. Bhadra would have ended before sunrise on the day of Rakshabandhan.

Due to difference in sunrise time in other cities, there may be a difference of a few minutes in the time of tying Rakhi. For example, in Pune this time is given as 6:19 am to 9:48 am.

When will Bhadra be there this time?

According to the Panchang, this year Bhadra will remain on 27th August only. Its effect will end by the morning of Rakshabandhan i.e. 28th August. Therefore, there will be no hindrance from Bhadra at the time of tying Rakhi.

In which countries will the lunar eclipse be visible?

This eclipse will not be visible in India, but people in many parts of the world will be able to see it. Apart from large parts of America, the eclipse will be visible in many areas of Europe and Africa. At some places, due to a large part of the Moon coming under the Earth's shadow, its view is going to be quite impressive.

Therefore, those celebrating Rakshabandhan in India do not need to worry much about the eclipse. On August 28, sisters can tie Rakhi to their brothers as per their tradition.