As the calendar turns to August, families across the Indian subcontinent and around the world are preparing for one of the most cherished festivals celebrating sibling bonds: Raksha Bandhan. This year, the festival falls on August 9, 2025, a Saturday in India, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates, while in the United States, festivities begin a day earlier on August 8 due to time differences, according to The Times of India. With its roots steeped in ancient tradition and mythology, Raksha Bandhan—literally meaning "the knot of protection"—has become a vibrant occasion marked by rituals, heartfelt wishes, and the reaffirmation of familial love.
Raksha Bandhan isn’t just another date on the calendar. It’s a living tapestry of stories, rituals, and emotions that have been passed down through generations. The festival’s origins are found in various Hindu scriptures and legends, each adding layers of meaning to the celebration. Among the most enduring tales is that of Lord Yama and his sister Yamuna. Legend has it that after a long separation, Yama visited Yamuna at the urging of Goddess Ganga. Overjoyed, Yamuna prepared a lavish feast and tied a rakhi on Yama’s wrist, prompting him to bless her with immortality—a story that underscores the festival’s enduring message of love and protection.
Another widely recounted legend involves Lord Krishna and Queen Draupadi. As The Times of India recounts, when Krishna injured his finger while flying a kite, Draupadi quickly tore a piece of her saree and wrapped it around his wound. Touched by her gesture, Krishna vowed to protect her from harm, further cementing the rakhi’s symbolism as a bond of safeguarding and care.
Not to be overlooked is the story of Goddess Laxmi and King Bali from the Vishnu Purana. When Laxmi tied a colorful thread on Bali’s wrist, she requested her husband’s freedom as a boon, which Bali graciously granted. These stories, woven into the festival’s fabric, serve as reminders of the sacredness of sibling ties—be they by blood or choice.
But Raksha Bandhan is not just about mythology. It’s a living, breathing tradition that brings families together, often across continents. The rituals themselves are as vibrant as the stories behind them. On the day of the festival, siblings don new and traditional attire. Sisters prepare a thali—a ceremonial platter—laden with vermillion, rice, sweets, a diya (lamp), and, of course, the rakhi. The ritual unfolds with the sister applying a tilak on her brother’s forehead, tying the rakhi on his right wrist, performing an arti (a prayer ritual), feeding him sweets, and exchanging gifts. It’s a sensory celebration, marked by color, fragrance, taste, and the warmth of shared memories.
Timing, as always, is crucial in these rituals. According to the Drik Panchang, as cited by The Times of India, the most auspicious periods—known as muhurats—are carefully calculated. In the USA, Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on August 8, 2025, with the Prunima tithi (full moon period) beginning at 4:42 am and ending at 3:54 am the next day. The prime time for tying the rakhi stretches from 4:18 pm to 10:12 pm, with the Aparahna muhurat from 4:18 pm to 5:24 pm considered especially favorable, though the Pradosh muhurat (8:11 pm to 10:12 pm) is also suitable.
For those in the UK, the festival falls on August 9, 2025. The Purnima tithi starts at 9:42 am on August 8 and concludes at 8:54 am the following day. The best window to tie the rakhi is from 5:37 am to 8:54 am on August 9, giving families a few precious hours to carry out the rituals in the most auspicious manner.
In the UAE, the Purnima tithi runs from 12:42 am on August 8 to 11:54 am on August 9, with the optimal rakhi-tying period between 5:51 am and 11:54 am. Notably, in both the UK and UAE, the inauspicious Bhadra period will have concluded before sunrise, ensuring that the rituals can proceed without interruption.
This year’s Raksha Bandhan is set apart by a rare astrological event. As reported by The Times of India, 2025 will witness the alignment of Saubhagya Yog and Sarvartha Siddhi Yog during the auspicious Sharavan Nakshatra—a conjunction that last occurred a century ago. Saubhagya Yog is believed to usher in prosperity, luck, and well-being, while Sarvartha Siddhi Yog is said to fulfill all righteous desires. For many, this cosmic coincidence adds an extra layer of excitement and hope, as families look forward to a year filled with blessings and fulfillment.
Beyond rituals and astrology, Raksha Bandhan is also a time for heartfelt messages and wishes. According to News18, the festival is an opportunity to express gratitude and affection through words and gestures. Popular wishes shared on social media and messaging apps this year include, "May the bond of love between us always remain strong. Wishing you a very happy Raksha Bandhan!" and "May the pious occasion of Raksha Bandhan fill your life with happiness, luck, and prosperity!" These messages, simple yet profound, capture the essence of the festival—love, protection, and the enduring strength of sibling relationships.
Other wishes making the rounds include, "Raksha Bandhan is a special time to celebrate our relationship, and I wish you all the happiness in the world," and "To my dearest brother, thank you for always being my protector and guiding light. Happy Raksha Bandhan!" For sisters, the sentiment is just as strong: "You’re my confidante, my partner in crime, and my everything. Happy Raksha Bandhan, sister!" These expressions, as News18 notes, are not just words—they are threads of connection that span distances and time zones.
In an age where families are often separated by geography, Raksha Bandhan has adapted to new realities. Digital platforms now play an integral role in the celebration. Sisters and brothers exchange wishes, photos, and even virtual rakhis over WhatsApp and other messaging services. As News18 highlights, "A thread of love, a bond of protection. Happy Raksha Bandhan to all brothers and sisters!" has become a popular refrain, reflecting the festival’s ability to transcend physical boundaries.
But for all its modern trappings, Raksha Bandhan remains, at its heart, a deeply personal and emotional affair. It’s a day to cherish memories, renew promises, and look forward to new beginnings. Whether celebrated with elaborate rituals or simple messages, the festival continues to bind siblings together in a tapestry of love, trust, and mutual respect.
This year, as families gather in living rooms, connect over screens, or remember loved ones from afar, Raksha Bandhan 2025 stands as a testament to the enduring power of tradition and the unbreakable bonds of family.
