When is Rakhi in 2023? Date, Shubh Muhurat Timings, Significance

Rakhi or Raksha Bandhan comes every year, honouring the special bond between a brother and sister. This day describes the unwavering connection between siblings. As the tradition goes, sisters tie a Rakhi on their brother’s wrists, which denotes their wishes for them to be happy and successful in life. Further, in return, the brothers pledge their ultimate support and care to their sisters. With this ritual, the fun part of this festival is a pleasant tradition of exchanging gifts, which brings smiles to every sister’s face.

Rakhi 2023 Shubh Muhurat

Raksha Bandhan falls on the final day of the month of Shravana, as per the Hindu lunar calendar, which every year comes in August. Similarly, this year, Raksha Bandhan falls on August 30th & 31st.

Here are the timings:

For Tying Rakhi: From 10:58 AM, August 30, to 7:05 AM, August 31, 2023.
Rakhi Purnima Period: From August 30 2023 at 10:58 AM to August 31 2023 at 07:05 AM.

Raksha Bandhan Tradition

There are multiple customs celebrated during the day of Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi. While commencing the Rakhi tying ritual, sisters do aarti for their brothers to wish them well-being and success. Then, she ties a beautiful Rakhi around their brother’s wrist and honours him by applying tilak on his forehead. And this is the fun part in which the brothers, in return for the sister’s care and love, offer gifts or money.
It is said that the most propitious time for the rituals of Raksha Bandhan is the afternoon, as per the traditional practices described in Drik Panchang. However, if the period clashes with Bhadra time, then the traditions of Rakhi have to wait until it’s over.

The Origin of Rakhi Festival

The tradition of Raksha Bandhan has been around for hundreds of years, and it comes with many stories that make it unique. Some of these stories are from Hindu mythology, and a few are explained here:

Story of Indra Dev and Sachi

In an age-old legend from the Bhavishya Purana, a battle raged between Gods and demons. Lord Indra, the ruler of the skies, fought beside the Gods against the fierce demon King Bali. As the conflict prolonged, Indra’s wife, Sachi, sought help from Lord Vishnu, who gave her a sacred bracelet woven from cotton thread. Tying it around Indra’s wrist, he gained strength and defeated the demons, saving Amaravati.

Tale of King Bali and Goddess Lakshmi

In a unique tale from the Bhagavata Purana and Vishnu Purana, after Lord Vishnu defeated the demon King Bali and won dominion over three worlds, Bali offered Vishnu to stay with him. Vishnu agreed and lived in Bali’s palace. However, Vishnu’s wife, Goddess Lakshmi, wanted to return to their home in Vaikuntha.

To make this happen, Lakshmi tied a rakhi on King Bali’s wrist, making him her symbolic brother. In return, she asked Bali to free Vishnu so they could return to Vaikuntha. Touched by her gesture, Bali agreed. As a result, Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi were reunited in their heavenly abode.

Origin of Santoshi Maa

Legend has it that Lord Ganesha’s sons, Shubh and Labh, wished for a sister. Their request was fulfilled through the divine flames with the help of sage Narada. This created Santoshi Maa, giving the brothers a sister to celebrate Raksha Bandhan with, in a story less told.

Also read:

Raksha Bandhan 2023: Astrologer’s Advice on Do and Don’ts For Rakhi As Per Zodiac Sign

Rakhi FAQs