Raksha Bandhan for the year 2024 is celebrated/observed on Wednesday, August 30th. There are until the next observance.

This year’s Raksha Bandhan falls on August 30, and we’re here to teach you how to celebrate. Did you know that the Raksha Bandhan event is referenced in manuscripts dating back 6,000 years? Raksha Bandhan is a Hindu event that honors the tie that exists between a brother and a sister. Traditionally, the sister wraps a holy thread around the brother’s wrist. The brother offers his sister gifts and swears a promise to guard her and keep her safe at all times. The tradition is then followed by the exchange of handmade sweets.

📆 When is Raksha Bandhan?

This year, Raksha Bandhan is on August 30th. It is the 5th Wednesday in August; in 2024, it is on Friday.

Countdown to Raksha Bandhan

Did you know: Rakhis are constructed from cotton, silk, and satin threads, among other materials.

You can also see all exciting things you didn’t know about and facts about August 30, 2023.

📜 History of Raksha Bandhan

To stop the bleeding, Draupadi cut a piece of material from her saree and wrapped it around the wound. Krishna promised to protect her like a brother after this gesture of sisterly devotion. The material became a thread and a sign of the relationship between a brother and sister.

Other accounts indicate that Raksha Bandhan gained popularity in the third century after Alexander enraged the Indian King Puru. Alexander’s wife contacted King Puru with a rakhi after learning about the Raksha Bandhan holiday. King Puru therefore chose not to fight Alexander.

Some believe that the celebration began in the 16th century, when Rani (Queen) Karnavati of Chittor recognized she couldn’t hold the fortress against the invasion of Bahadur Shah (Gujrat), so she sent a bracelet to Mughal Emperor Humayun.

This event is widely celebrated by Indians all over the world. It is a day when family gathers and special prayers (‘puja’) are offered. It is regarded as a lucky day.

☑️ Raksha Bandhan facts

They come in different types
Rakhis come in a variety of styles, including beaded rakhis, bracelet rakhis, pearl rakhis, and zari work rakhis.

There are rakhis for different purposes
Women tie lumba rakhis to their sisters-in-law.

They are mostly in Kolkata
The city of Kolkata in India generates the most rakhis in the country.

Things to do on Raksha Bandhan

Tie a rakhi
It’s time to step up and be a nice sister. Purchase a rakhi from your local shop or online. If you follow Indian customs, participate in the “pooja” (prayer). Tie the rakhi around your brother’s wrist. You may also apply tilak (saffron powder) on your brother’s brow. Remember to return your present to your brother.

Share it on social media
Make everyone aware of the significance of this day. Take photos of yourself wrapping a rakhi around your brother’s wrist and post them online. You may also submit messages urging others to join in the festivities.

Make traditional Indian sweets
You may prepare a variety of Indian sweets. Make ladoos, jalebis, gulab jamun, rasmalai, or kaju katli from scratch. You may also purchase them if you live near a sweet shop that serves Indian sweets.

📅 Raksha Bandhan Observances

YEAR DATE DAY
2023 August 30 Wednesday
2024 August 30 Friday
2025 August 30 Saturday
2026 August 30 Sunday
2027 August 30 Monday

See all August holidays, including Religious and other Cultural holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and fun facts about Raksha Bandhan. So be sure to check back soon.