Information on the 2026 Lunar Eclipse: Impact on Raksha Bandhan Celebrations and Sutuk Rules

A partial lunar eclipse is scheduled for August 28, which will occur on the full moon day of Shravana month. From an astronomical perspective, lunar eclipses always happen during a full moon, but this full moon holds special significance because it coincides with the rare event of the Raksha Bandhan festival. This combination of a religious festival and an astronomical phenomenon is considered extremely significant from both religious and astrological viewpoints.

About the Lunar Eclipse in 2026

According to Drik Panchang, the lunar eclipse will begin on August 28 around 8:04 AM and end at approximately 11:21 AM. The peak time of the eclipse is at 9:43 AM. During this eclipse, a partial shadow of the Earth will be visible on the Moon.

(Where to watch the Lunar Eclipse in 2026)

In 2026, the second and final lunar eclipse will not be visible in India. However, it will be observable in parts of West Asia, South America, Africa, and Europe.

(Will Sutak Kaal be in India?)

The period of Sutak Kaal begins 9 hours before the start of the lunar eclipse. Since this eclipse will not be visible in India, the period of Sutak Kaal will not be considered valid there. Consequently, there are no restrictions on conducting auspicious or ritualistic events during the eclipse and Sutak Kaal.

Shadow of the Lunar Eclipse on Raksha Bandhan

The lunar eclipse occurring on August 28 will not be visible in India. Therefore, the Raksha Bandhan festival can be celebrated at the usual time while observing the auspicious moment (Bhadra Kaal). That is, the partial lunar eclipse will not affect the auspicious timing of celebrating Raksha Bandhan.

(Things to Keep in Mind During Sutak and Eclipse)

Use of Tulsi Leaves

It is recommended to add tulsi leaves to food and water before the start of the Sutak Kaal period. Precautions for Pregnant Women

During the eclipse, pregnant women should avoid going outside and refrain from using sharp or cutting objects. Chanting Mantras

During the eclipse period, it is recommended to mentally repeat the mantras 'Om Namah Shivaya' or 'Mahamrityunjay'. Bathing and Offerings

After the eclipse ends, the entire house should be sprinkled with Gangajal, one should take a bath, and make offerings of grain, clothing, or til.

The question of whether the sacred festival of Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on August 27th or 28th in 2026 has caused confusion among people. This festival is traditionally celebrated on the day of the full moon of the Sawan month. Although the exact date changes every year, the lunar cycle date remains constant. In Hinduism, major festivals are strictly observed according to calendar dates.

Misunderstandings often arise because one date might start and end on the following day. The date holds special significance in Hinduism. Questions arise about when Raksha Bandhan should be celebrated, what is the auspicious time for exchanging rakhis, and when the Bhadra period will be.

When will Raksha Bandhan 2026 take place? August 27th or 28th, find out the exact date

According to Pandit Pravin Mishra, the full moon of the Sawan month will begin on August 27th at 9:08 AM and conclude on August 28th at 9:48 AM. It is due to this discrepancy that uncertainty has arisen: should Raksha Bandhan be celebrated on August 27th, when the full moon begins, or on August 28th?

Furthermore, a lunar eclipse is mentioned in connection with August 28th, which increases people's doubts about whether the festival should be held on August 27th.

Why will Raksha Bandhan be celebrated on August 28th?

Considering the start date (Uday Tithi), the most suitable time for celebrating the sacred festival of Raksha Bandhan is August 28th. Therefore, this year the festival will be celebrated on August 28th.

Auspicious Time for Exchanging Rakhis and Bhadra Period

Since brothers and sisters often live in the same city or neighboring settlements, they travel on the same day. Therefore, two auspicious time intervals are suggested from which one can choose the most convenient time for exchanging rakhis.

The full moon will conclude on August 28th at 9:48 AM, so the morning time will be very good. The first auspicious period for exchanging rakhis is set for August 28th from 6:24 AM to 9:48 AM. It is recommended to celebrate the festival during this time. Sisters should tie the rakshasutra on their brothers' wrists.

If for any reason this interval is missed and you cannot tie the rakhi, do not worry. The second option is Abhijit Muhurta, which will last on August 28th from 12:01 PM to 1:05 PM. Rakhis can also be tied within this timeframe.

Will Bhadra affect Raksha Bandhan?

According to Pandit Pravin Mishra, there is a positive aspect this year: Bhadra will not affect the Raksha Bandhan festival. Bhadra will begin on August 27th at 9:08 AM and end on August 27th at 9:32 PM. Since the full moon begins on August 27th, and we celebrate the festival on August 28th, Bhadra will not be present on the day of the celebration. Consequently, you can celebrate this sacred festival on August 28th without any worries.

Mantras to Recite While Tying Rakhi

Sisters should remember a special mantra for tying rakhi on their brother. This ancient and mythological mantra has been used since ancient times:

Om yen baddho bali raja danavendro mahabalaḥ. Tena tvām pratibadhnāmi rakṣe mā cala mā cala॥

This is a sacred mantra for tying rakhi. You can recite it while tying the rakhi on your brother's wrist. If you do not know this mantra, you can listen to it. You should also pray to the deity you worship for your brother to live long and have a happy life. In turn, the brother should also pray for his sister's happiness and well-being.

This sacred festival, which emphasizes the importance of the relationship between a brother and sister, is an important part of our country's culture. On this day, sisters sacrifice love for their brothers, and brothers express love and a sense of protection towards their sisters.

What to Note When Tying Rakhi

Firstly, when tying the rakhi, the brother's head should be facing east. If circumstances do not allow sitting in this way, facing north is also considered auspicious.

Secondly, be sure to apply a tilak on the brother's forehead and also apply akshat, which is rice. First, apply the tilak. If the tilak is slightly wet, a few grains of rice will easily stick to it.

Which Rakhi Should Be Chosen?

You can choose any rakhi according to your taste. Currently available are plastic, rudraksha, sandalwood, and various designer rakhis. However, along with the rakhi, you must tie the rakshasutra. In the past, only the rakshasutra, called Mauli, was tied, which the Pandit ties on the arm during worship. This Mauli will also be kept in the place of worship in your home.

First, tie the Mauli, i.e., the rakshasutra, on the brother's wrist. After that, tie the rakhi bought from the store, whether it is rudraksha, plastic, designer, or sandalwood. While tying the rakshasutra, recite the mantra we provided you.

According to astronomical and Vedic astrological data, the second solar eclipse of 2026 will occur on August 12th, on the day of Amavasya in the Shravana month, in the Cancer sign and the Shatabhisha nakshatra. This will be a total solar eclipse, which happens when the Moon, Earth, and Sun align in such a way that the Moon completely blocks the sunlight. As a result of this phenomenon, darkness descends upon a certain part of the Earth during the daytime, creating the impression of night.

However, since this eclipse will not be visible in India, many people have raised questions regarding its rules. Below is all the necessary information about the solar eclipse.

Time and Duration of the 2026 Solar Eclipse

According to Indian Standard Time (IST), the last and second solar eclipse of the year will take place on August 12th. The eclipse will begin tonight at 21:04 and end on August 13th at 01:27 AM. The peak time of the eclipse will be at 23:16. The total duration of the eclipse will be 4 hours and 23 minutes.

In Which Countries Will This Solar Eclipse Be Visible?

This total solar eclipse will not be observed in India. It will be predominantly visible in Greenland, Iceland, Northern Russia, Spain, Portugal, and the Atlantic Ocean. Additionally, it will be partially visible in Canada and most European countries, as well as in North America.

Will the Sutak Kal Period and Worship Restrictions Apply in India?

According to sacred scriptures, the Sutak Kal period begins exactly 12 hours before the start of the solar eclipse. However, this rule applies only in places where the eclipse is directly observed. Since this eclipse will remain invisible in India, the Sutak Kal period will not be considered valid there. Consequently, temple doors will not be closed, and there will be no restrictions on prayers, hymns, or other regular religious rituals. Furthermore, the ban on cooking, eating, or conducting auspicious and ritualistic events will not apply.

What Should Be Done and What Should Be Avoided During the Solar Eclipse?

Even though this eclipse is not visible in India, some rules are observed from the perspective of traditional and astronomical safety.

What not to do: Never look at an eclipse with the naked eye, as this can damage the retina. Special filters, solar viewing devices, or binoculars must be used for observation. In regions where the eclipse is visible, pregnant women and the elderly should avoid unnecessary outings and the use of sharp objects.

What to do: During the eclipse period, it is considered auspicious to mentally remember the name of God, recite mantras, or meditate. After the eclipse ends, it is recommended to take a bath, wear clean clothes, and sprinkle the house with Ganges water. It is also advisable to donate grains, clothing, or seeds to the needy and poor within one's means.