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India Today
9 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- India Today
Raksha Bandhan 2025: Date, ritual timings, and significance explained
As dawn breaks on a warm August morning, sisters across India prepare their thalis with trembling hands and joyful hearts—tiny lamps flicker beside threads of protection, love, and lifelong promises. Raksha Bandhan isn't just a ritual; it's a feeling. A moment that wraps up shared childhoods, secret jokes, and unspoken support in one sacred 2025, Raksha Bandhan falls on Saturday, August 9, and brings with it the perfect blend of tradition and togetherness. Whether you're in the same city or continents apart, this day is about celebrating the emotional legacy of sibling bonds and doing it at the right time matters just as much as the everything you need to know from the shubh muhurat to why Bhadra time is to be avoided, and how this ancient festival continues to evolve with every BANDHAN THREAD CEREMONY TIMINGS According to Drik Panchang, the most auspicious time for tying Rakhi (Thread Ceremony) in 2025 isThread Ceremony Time: 05:47 am to 01:24 pmDuration: 7 hours and 37 minutesPurnima Tithi Begins at: 02:12 pm on August 8, 2025Purnima Tithi Ends: 01:24 pm on August 9, 2025Bhadra Ends: Before sunrise on 9 AugustThis means that the entire morning period on August 9 is auspicious, and rituals can be performed safely without concern for inauspicious OF TIMING: WHY BHADRA MUST BE AVOIDEDIn Hinduism, Bhadra is considered an inauspicious time (especially during the first half of Purnima Tithi). Rituals performed during Bhadra are believed to bring negative outcomes. Religious scriptures like Vratraj explicitly advise against performing Rakhi rituals during this 2025, Bhadra ends before sunrise, which is ideal, ensuring that the entire thread-tying ceremony can be done during Shubh APARAHNA MUHURAT IS PREFERREDTraditionally, Aparahna Kaal (late afternoon) is the most recommended period for performing the Rakhi ceremony. However, when Bhadra does not overlap with morning hours—as in 2025—the ceremony can safely begin from early case Aparahna is not accessible, Pradosh Kaal (early evening) is the next best option. But for 2025, the morning time is not only permissible but highly RITUALS OF RAKSHA BANDHANRaksha Bandhan is marked by a simple yet emotionally significant set of ritualsSisters prepare a thali with a rakhi, sweets, diya, roli, and receive the rakhi on their right wrist, get a tilak on the forehead, and offer a promise of protection in are exchanged, often followed by a shared meal or many families, even bhabhis (sisters-in-law) receive a rakhi or lumba rakhi, extending the ritual to newer familial AND SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCEThe legend behind Raksha Bandhan spans stories from mythology and historyKrishna and Draupadi: When Krishna hurt his finger, Draupadi tore her saree to bandage him. He vowed to protect Karnavati and Humayun: The queen of Mewar sent a rakhi to the Mughal emperor, asking for tales highlight the protective, emotional, and unifying aspects of the festival, beyond just BANDHAN TODAY: A BOND BEYOND BLOODIn modern times, Rakhi is tied not only by sisters to brothers but alsoTo sisters, bhabhis, and cousinsBetween friends and community members as a token of trust and protectionIn schools, from children to jawans and police officers, to show respectThe festival continues to evolve while staying rooted in Saturday, 9 August 2025Rakhi Thread Ceremony Time: 05:47 am – 01:24 pmBhadra Ends: Before sunrise (safe for rituals)Best Muhurat: Aparahna (late afternoon), though morning is also auspicious in 2025Avoid: Bhadra Kaal, especially Bhadra MukhaFor a heartfelt and timely Raksha Bandhan celebration, aligning rituals with accurate Panchang timings ensures both tradition and spiritual harmony are honoured.- Ends
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Polyandry in Himachal Pradesh: A closer look at the Hatti community's cultural shift
The recent jodidaran, or jajda — a fraternal polyandrous marriage between one woman and two Hatti brothers in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh — has caused quite a stir, as the country is moving towards uniformity in its legal framework for marriage, divorce, adoption, and inheritance. This uniformity is sought to be imposed on its diverse people through a Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The reality that remote, isolated communities enjoy conjugal choice, whereas urban residents must register their marriages and live-in relationships, should not be lost sight of. As someone who has conducted years of fieldwork in these mountain regions, this case seems to be an aberration. What has astonished me is the zeal with which the marriage, consummated by three educated and well-placed individuals, has been publicised with a widely circulated press release and a wedding photoshoot in the forest. Usually, such practices are kept under wraps and, therefore, there is a need to unpack what is at work here. Polyandrous marriage is referred to in the hills as pandav vivah — most hill people consider the Pandavas as their ancestors. In the Mahabharata, Draupadi was the prize won in an archery contest and was pledged to five brothers. Polyandrous marriage, now surviving in these parts only in the region between the rivers Sutlej and Yamuna, has long been a subject of discussion. Anthropologist D N Majumdar's book, Himalayan Polyandry (1962), and his student Y S Parmar's (long-time chief minister of Himachal Pradesh) popular text Polyandry in the Himalayas, focused on it. Early anthropologists offered various functional explanations for polyandrous marriages that included the scarcity of arable land in the upper reaches, combined with difficulty in dividing property among multiple heirs. These alliances were also a measure of population control since joint families tend to have fewer children, and a practice dictated by the need for a larger pool of labour in a tough terrain where multiple occupations such as agriculture and pastoralism needed to be practised within one family unit. These explanations have been critiqued, justifiably so, because they insist upon ascribing reason to a social practice. In her foreword to Parmar's book, Indira Gandhi wrote, 'Polyandry is a subject of much ill-informed comment. Dr Parmar has rightly pointed out that there is usually some economic reason for a social custom and that without a change in economic motivation, no material and permanent change is possible. By putting it in its proper historical and economic context, the author gives us a deeper understanding of the manner in which societies evolve institutions to enable them to deal with the basic problems of living and surviving. Such comprehension is essential to overcome prejudice and attitudes of condescension.' Though the comment reflects empathy for social realities in difficult terrains, it also belies the thinking amongst the political class ruling from Delhi that the advent of modernity, arriving through scientific, economic and educational progress, would gradually bring about change in social behaviour, integrating these groups into the mainstream. Keeping this linear and simplistic view of modernity in mind, some social groups in the Himalayas — like the Jaunsaris of Uttarakhand — were granted Scheduled Tribe (ST) status in 1967 on the basis of their differentiated social customs, among which polyandry was prominent. This was notwithstanding the fact that these communities were caste Hindu and only marginally diverged from the mainstream. Many years later, as late as 2022-23, the Hattis from neighbouring Himachal Pradesh also managed to acquire tribal status. Mapping the social trajectory of the Jaunsari community yields some interesting insights. But before that, we must understand the social structure in these mountains. The Himalayas, due to their terrain, allow for only small settlements and family units. These settlements, before Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand became states, were ruled by thakurais, jocularly referred to by some scholars as 'very little kingdoms'. Therefore, in these mountain regions, Rajputs — the thakur — are at the pinnacle of the social order. They are the landowners, which, in the present context, translates into being owners of lucrative apple orchards. The ST status is granted to social groups that fulfil certain conditions such as 'primitive' traits, geographical isolation, distinct culture, shyness and economic backwardness. Today, these areas are overrun by tourists, there is road and mobile connectivity, education and apple wealth. While post-Independence, the Jaunsaris were indeed afflicted by poverty and remoteness, for the Hatti, none of the boxes could have been ticked, except the practice of polyandry. Hence the need for its active promotion and foregrounding. While tribal status is granted to promote egalitarianism, in these regions, it has ended up doing exactly the opposite. The privileged Rajputs among these groups, while bearing their tribal status as a badge of honour, have effectively leveraged it towards upward social mobility. Job reservations have helped establish a Rajput politico-social hegemony, a creamy layer that effectively keeps the downtrodden within the Hatti and the Jaunsari — the lower-caste Bhadhoi and the Kolta — from ascending the social ladder. A community like the Jaunsaris, given the status of a tribe as early as 1967, have still not been able to grant lower castes and women access to the shrines of their deities. In fact, the lower-caste bajgis, the drummer-bards of the devi-devtas, who perform enforced ritual duties at temples, and also walk with the deity palanquins in extreme conditions across mountain ridges playing the instruments, still cannot enter the shrines of the deities they worship. The status of women, especially from the lower castes, is even worse. Therefore, being tribal for these groups is a transactional strategy for upward mobility. In that sense, for the Hatti, recent entrants to the tribal 'game', it becomes imperative for the community to publicise polyandrous marriage, in order to emphasise their otherness. While a progressive state in a country as vast as India must allow its citizens a diversity of forms of social living, including choices of conjugality, it must also look back and assess what its social engineering has achieved. The writer is an anthropologist, author and activist based in the Himalayas
Time of India
6 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
Raksha Bandhan 2025: All you need to know about date, shubh muhurat & celebrations
Raksha Bandhan 2025 Date , Shubh Muhurarat: Raksha Bandhan, often called Rakhi, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated in August. It symbolizes the "bond of protection" where sisters tie a sacred thread (rakhi) on their brothers' wrists. This act signifies their love and prayers for their brothers' well-being, and in return, brothers promise lifelong protection. Origin and Significance The festival's origins are rooted in mythology, with a popular legend citing Lord Krishna and Draupadi. When Krishna was wounded, Draupadi tore a piece of her saree to tie around his finger, a gesture that moved him to vow eternal protection. Beyond family ties, Raksha Bandhan represents universal love and unity, historically extending to soldiers, friends, and neighbors as a gesture of respect and solidarity. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Digital Marketing healthcare Others Data Analytics Technology Operations Management others Leadership Public Policy Project Management Healthcare Management Data Science Degree Finance Artificial Intelligence MCA Data Science CXO Product Management MBA Design Thinking Cybersecurity Skills you'll gain: Digital Marketing Strategy Search Engine Optimization (SEO) & Content Marketing Social Media Marketing & Advertising Data Analytics & Measurement Duration: 24 Weeks Indian School of Business Professional Certificate Programme in Digital Marketing Starts on Jun 26, 2024 Get Details Raksha Bandhan 2025 Dates and Muhurat In 2025, Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on Saturday, August 9th. This date falls on the full moon (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Shravana. The most auspicious time (Shubh Muhurat) to tie the rakhi is from 5:47 AM to 1:24 PM on August 9th. The Aparahna Muhurat runs from approximately 1:41 PM to 2:54 PM. According to Hindu tradition, the Aparahna (late afternoon) is considered the best time for the ritual. If not feasible, the Pradosh period in the evening is also suitable. It's crucial to avoid the Bhadra period, as it's considered inauspicious for sacred work. Bhadra usually occurs during the first half of the Purnima day. The Purnima Tithi begins on August 8th at 2-3 PM and concludes on August 9th at 1:24 PM, making the morning of August 9th an ideal window, after the Bhadra period ends. Live Events Rituals and Celebrations Sisters prepare a "thali" containing essentials like the rakhi, roli (red thread powder), rice grains, sweets, and a diya (lamp). After performing aarti, they apply a tilak to their brothers' foreheads before tying the rakhi. Brothers then reciprocate with gifts and their vow of protection. Regional Celebrations The festival is celebrated with unique regional variations across India: In West Bengal, it's known as Jhulan Purnima, focusing on the worship of Krishna and Radha. Among the Maharashtra Koli community, it coincides with Narali Pournima, a festival celebrating the sea and coconut-harvesting traditions. [With TOI inputs]
Time of India
6 days ago
- General
- Time of India
When is Raksha Bandhan 2025: On 8th or 9th August; What is the shubh muhurat to tie the rakhi?
Raksha Bandhan, a celebration of the brother-sister bond, will be observed on August 9, 2025. The auspicious time for tying the Rakhi is between 5:47 AM and 1:24 PM, avoiding the Bhadra period. This festival signifies love, protection, and unity, rooted in traditions like the story of Lord Krishna and Draupadi, celebrated differently across India. Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi is one of the most important festivals of Hindus that is celebrated in the month of August. On this day, sisters tie rakhi or a sacred thread on the wrists of their brothers and who in turn promise to protect their sisters throughout their lives. As per legend, Draupadi in the Mahabharata was the first one to tie a rakhi to Lord Krishna. Even in today's extremely occupied work life, this ritual remains timeless. It reminds us that amidst daily routines, certain values like those of love, loyalty, and care stand strong. What does 'Raksha Bandhan' mean? The term literally means the 'bond of protection.' As part of the festival, sisters tie a sacred thread or rakhi on their brother's wrist, symbolising their love and prayers for his health. In return, brothers vow lifelong protection to their sisters. Why is Rakshabhandhan celebrated? Beyond family ties, Raksha Bandhan represents universal love and unity. Historically, it even extended to soldiers, friends, or neighbours, whose brothers would promise to protect in a gesture of respect and unity. One popular mythological legend is about Lord Krishna and Draupadi. Krishna, wounded in battle, was comforted by Draupadi when she tore a piece of her saree and tied it around his finger. Moved by her gesture, Krishna vowed to protect her forever, this is considered to be the origin of this festival. When is Raksha Bandhan in 2025? Raksha Bandhan 2025 will be celebrated on Saturday, August 9, according to the Hindu calendar. This day falls on the full moon (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Shravana. When to tie the rakhi: muhurat 2025 This year, the most auspicious time for Shubh Muhurat to tie the rakhi is from 5:47 AM to 1:24 PM on August 9, according to DrikPanchang. The Aparahna Muhurat runs from approximately 1:41 PM to 2:54 PM . According to DrikPanchang, the best time to tie Rakhi on Raksha Bandhan is during the Aparahna, which is the late afternoon, as per Hindu tradition. If the Aparahna timing is not feasible, then the Pradosh period in the evening is also considered a good time to perform the Rakhi rituals. It's important to avoid tying Rakhi during the Bhadra period, as it's considered inauspicious. According to Hindu scriptures like Vratraj, any good or sacred work, including Raksha Bandhan rituals, should not be done during Bhadra. Usually, Bhadra occurs during the first half of the Purnima day, so it's better to wait until Bhadra ends before starting the celebration. In many parts of North India, people traditionally tie Rakhi in the morning, but that timing may fall within the Bhadra period, making it less ideal for the ritual. Full moon timing The Purnima Tithi begins August 8 at 2–3 PM and ends August 9 at 1:24 PM, making the morning of August 9 the ideal window for the ceremony. Rituals and celebration Sisters prepare a thali with essentials like rakhi, roli (red thread powder), rice grains, sweets, and a diya. After performing aarti, they apply a tilak to their brothers' foreheads and tie the rakhi. Brothers reciprocate with gifts and a promise of protection. How is the festival celebrated in various parts of India? In West Bengal, it's known as Jhulan Purnima, where worship of Krishna and Radha takes place. Among the Maharashtra Koli community, it coincides with Narali Pournima, celebrating the sea and coconut-harvesting traditions.
Time of India
16-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Raksha Bandhan 2025: Know date, Rakhi tying ceremony time, rituals, & more
Raksha Bandhan 2025 date & timings: Raksha Bandhan, also known as Rakhi, is one of the most heartwarming and major festivals celebrated for hundreds of years in India. Celebrated with immense joy, Raksha Bandhan brings with it deep-rooted traditions, vibrant rituals, and the timeless love between siblings. The festival is celebrated by tying a rakhi (a sacred thread), which symbolises the promise of protection and affection between a brother and sister. What is Raksha Bandhan, and why is it celebrated? Raksha Bandhan is more than just a festival—it's a symbol of the strong emotional bond shared between brothers and sisters. The name literally means 'the bond of protection.' On this special day, sisters tie a rakhi around their brother's wrist, praying for his well-being, happiness, and safety. In return, the brother promises to protect her throughout life and usually gives her a gift as a token of love. This ritual strengthens family ties and celebrates siblinghood, making Raksha Bandhan 2025 an occasion filled with joy, gratitude, and blessings. When is Raksha Bandhan in 2025? Raksha Bandhan 2025 will be celebrated on Saturday, 9 August. As per the Hindu calendar, it falls on the Purnima (full moon day) in the month of Shravana, which usually corresponds to August in the Gregorian calendar. Raksha Bandhan 2025 Muhurat: Ideal Time for Rakhi Tying Ceremony It is considered highly auspicious to tie the rakhi during a specific time, known as the muhurat. Performing the rituals during the inauspicious time, especially during the Bhadra period, is considered inauspicious. It is believed that tying Rakhi during Bhadra Kaal couple bring bad luck or obstacles in life. Here are the details for Raksha Bandhan 2025 muhurat: According to Hindu traditions, Aparahna (late afternoon) is the most suitable time to tie the rakhi. If Aparahna is unavailable, the Pradosh Kaal (early evening) may also be considered ideal. Significance of Raksha Bandhan 2025 The significance of Raksha Bandhan 2025 goes beyond the simple act of tying a thread. It is about the eternal emotional bond, protection, and shared love between siblings. It is also a day when families come together, rituals are performed with devotion, and blessings are exchanged. The sibling bond, often full of love, playful fights, and support, is beautifully represented in this festival. Mythological tales from Indian scriptures, such as that of Krishna and Draupadi, or Rani Karnavati and Emperor Humayun, further highlight the value and power of the rakhi. Traditional Rituals Observed on Raksha Bandhan 2025 Here are some commonly followed rituals for Raksha Bandhan 2025: Women wake up early, bathe, and get ready in beautiful traditional outfits. Special sweets and festive dishes are prepared for the occasion. Some families start the rituals by tying a rakhi to Lord Krishna or Laddoo Gopal Ji as a mark of devotion. Many women observe a fast until the rakhi is tied. A rakhi thali (plate) is decorated with kumkum, akshat (rice), sweets, a diya, and the rakhi. Sisters apply tilak and akshat on their brother's forehead, tie the rakhi on their right wrist, and offer sweets. In return, brothers present gifts to their sisters—anything from money, gadgets, to clothes—as a gesture of love and gratitude. Younger brothers may even seek blessings by touching their sister's feet, showcasing respect. In many families, sisters also give return gifts to their brothers, like perfumes, watches, stationery, or personalised items. Once the ceremony is over, women break their fast, and the family enjoys the festive meal together. Happy Raksha Bandhan wishes, messages, and greetings to share I wish that life always goes well for you and that all good things assail your well-being and never disappear. You are simply the most generous and amazing brother there is in this world. Happy Raksha Bandhan, brother! My beautiful sister, on this Raksha Bandhan, I wish to say that you are the best sister and you mean to me the whole world. Happy Raksha Bandhan. I really want to thank life and the God who is always watching over us for offering me the most generous brother in this world, the most noble and wonderful there is! I thank God for his existence in my life. Happy Raksha Bandhan, Bhai! Dear Brother, when you tie this Rakhi on my wrist, I pray to God for your peace, happiness and prosperity. A warm and loving person like you deserves the best of life. Happy Raksha Bandhan. I am thankful to God for having the precious gift of a sister like you. Happy Raksha Bandhan. To the perfect brother, the one who has always been my great friend and whom I deeply admire, I wish you a blessed and very happy Raksha Bandhan. May God protect you always. You are my best friend, you are my secret keeper, and you are my loving brother. The one person I can always turn to when I need something. Happy Raksha Bandhan. May you always have that beautiful smile and that sparkle in your eyes, sister! Happy Raksha Bandhan You never say no, you never say that's impossible, and you never say you can't and you always stand behind me at any situation. That's my bro, a superman who make things possible and who makes paths smoother. I love yo,u Bro. Happy Raksha Bandhan! Brother and sister relationships are like Tom and Jerry. They tease and irritate each other. Knock each other down. But can't live without each other. Happy Raksha Bandhan, Brother! Hey sis, you are my best friend and life companion. Blood of my blood, always there for whatever comes. Happy Raksha Bandhan to my lovely sister! I am lucky to have a loving, kind, caring, and cute brother like you. You have fulfilled every wish of mine. I'll be waiting for my gifts. And if you don't give then you will be in big trouble. Dear Brother, on this Raksha Bandhan, I wish to say that you are the best brother and you mean to me the whole world. Happy Raksha Badhan. No matter how far we are on the pious occasion of Rakshabandhan, our love for each other will never end. I know you are always available whenever I need you. I always pray to God to keep our relationship working for a lifetime. Brothers and sisters share a unique connection—one filled with love, mischief, rivalry, and unwavering support. Raksha Bandhan is a celebration of this beautiful and irreplaceable bond. Whether near or far, this day reminds siblings of the love they hold for each other, often leading to reunions, video calls, and emotional moments. So, as Raksha Bandhan 2025 approaches, let us cherish the gift of siblinghood and prepare to celebrate it with full devotion and joy. Raksha Bandhan is not just a festival; it's an emotional expression of love, trust, and commitment between siblings. With the right muhurat, heartfelt rituals, and deep-rooted significance, this sacred day continues to hold a special place in every Indian household. Mark your calendar for 9 August 2025, and make the day truly memorable with love, laughter, and blessings. (Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.) For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
