Raksha bandhan 2025 date and shubh muhurat in the USA: Auspicious timing, rituals & celebration guide
Raksha Bandhan is a special festival that honors the unique bond between brothers and sisters. During the celebration, a sister ties a rakhi, a sacred thread usually made of red or yellow string, on her brother’s right wrist. In return, the brother promises to protect her.The word “Raksha” means protection, and “Bandhan” means bond. Together, the festival symbolizes a relationship built on care and responsibility.Raksha Bandhan is observed on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Shravana month in the Hindu calendar. This usually falls in August on the Gregorian calendar. In 2025, the festival will be celebrated on August 8 or 9, depending on your location.
Festival rooted in myth, culture, and traditions
The idea of tying a thread for protection is an old one. Many Hindu texts mention people tying sacred threads on their wrists as a form of blessing or defense. But the tradition of a sister tying rakhi to her brother is found more in later stories and folk traditions.
One famous tale tells of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Her husband, Lord Vishnu, had gone to protect the kingdom of his devotee, the demon king Bali. Missing her husband, Lakshmi visited Bali in disguise. She tied a thread on his wrist, treating him like a brother. When Bali later found out who she was, he granted her a wish, and she asked for Vishnu to return with her to Vaikuntha, their divine home.Another story comes from the Mahabharata, the ancient Indian epic. In one episode, Krishna injured his finger, and Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, quickly tore a piece of her sari and tied it around his wound. Moved by her gesture, Krishna promised to always protect her.In another part of the same epic, Queen Kunti ties a sacred thread around her grandson Abhimanyu’s wrist before he heads into battle. This, too, is seen as a form of Raksha Bandhan, where love and protection are shared through a simple thread.
Shubh muhurat for Rakhi in the US (2025)
According to Hindu customs, the best time to tie the rakhi is during the Aparahna period, which is the late afternoon. Performing the ceremony during this time is considered the most auspicious. Avoid tying rakhi during Bhadra, as it is believed to bring bad luck.(Timings referenced from the Drik Panchang website.)
Eastern Time(New York)
Raksha Bandhan on Friday, August 8, 2025Aparahna Time Raksha Bandhan Muhurat – 04:18 PM to 05:14 PMPurnima Tithi Begins – 04:42 AM on Aug 08, 2025Purnima Tithi Ends – 03:54 AM on Aug 09, 2025
Pacific Time(Los Angeles)
Raksha Bandhan on Friday, August 8, 2025Aparahna Time Raksha Bandhan Muhurat – 02:20 PM to 05:04 PMPurnima Tithi Begins – 01:42 AM on Aug 08, 2025Purnima Tithi Ends – 12:54 AM on Aug 09, 2025
Mountain Time(Salt Lake City)
Raksha Bandhan on Friday, August 8, 2025Aparahna Time Raksha Bandhan Muhurat – 02:57 PM to 05:46 PMPurnima Tithi Begins – 02:42 AM on Aug 08, 2025Purnima Tithi Ends – 01:54 AM on Aug 09, 2025
Central Time(Chicago)
Raksha Bandhan on Friday, August 8, 2025Aparahna Time Raksha Bandhan Muhurat – 03:18 PM to 05:10 PMPurnima Tithi Begins – 03:42 AM on Aug 08, 2025Purnima Tithi Ends – 02:54 AM on Aug 09, 2025
Alaska(Anchorage)
Raksha Bandhan on Friday, August 8, 2025Aparahna Time Raksha Bandhan Muhurat – 03:43 PM to 07:00 PMPurnima Tithi Begins – 12:42 AM on Aug 08, 2025Purnima Tithi Ends – 11:54 PM on Aug 08, 2025
