Surat: Today, on the Poornima of the holy month of Shravan, the state of Gujarat, along with the nation, is celebrating the festival of Raksha Bandhan.

As families gear up to celebrate the bond between brothers and sisters, the ideal time for tying Rakhi on Raksha Bandhan is during the Aparahna period, which is the late afternoon as per the Hindu division of the day. However, if the Aparahna Muhurat is missed, sisters can tie Rakhi during the Pradosh period.

One important aspect to remember on Raksha Bandhan is to avoid tying Rakhi during the Bhadra period, as it is considered inauspicious for performing significant rituals.

Raksha Bandhan 2024 Muhurats

According to the Hindu Panchang, the Rakhi ceremony can be performed between 1:32 PM and 9:08 PM on August 19, 2024.

In Hindu tradition, conducting ceremonies during Shubh Muhurats (auspicious timings) is believed to bring good fortune and happiness. The key muhurats for Raksha Bandhan 2024 are:

• Aparahna Muhurat: The most favorable time for Raksha Bandhan is during the Aparahna Kaal, which occurs in the late afternoon. In 2024, this muhurat starts at 1:43 PM and ends at 4:20 PM, offering a 2-hour and 37-minute window for the ceremony.

• Pradosh Muhurat: If the Aparahna Muhurat is missed, the Raksha Bandhan ritual can be performed during the Pradosh Kaal, from 6:56 PM to 9:08 PM. This 2-hour and 11-minute window is also suitable for conducting the traditional ceremonies, including tying the Rakhi and exchanging gifts.

Bhadra Timings and Their Significance

Bhadra, considered an inauspicious period for significant rituals, occurs before the Raksha Bandhan Muhurat. It is important to wait until the Bhadra period ends before beginning any auspicious activities.

The Bhadra timings for Raksha Bandhan 2024 are as follows:

• Bhadra End Time: 1:30 PM

• Bhadra Punchha: 9:51 AM to 10:53 AM

• Bhadra Mukha: 10:53 AM to 12:37 PM

During these times, it is advisable to avoid conducting any Raksha Bandhan-related ceremonies. The Rakhi tying ceremony should be scheduled outside of this period to ensure a positive and successful celebration.

The Purnima Tithi, or full moon day, for Raksha Bandhan begins at 3:04 AM on August 19, 2024, and concludes at 11:55 PM on the same day. This allows ample time for all Raksha Bandhan festivities, ensuring that families can fully enjoy this celebration of love, protection, and happiness.

What does a Raksha Bandhan ritual traditionally include?

The Rakhi ritual, central to the Raksha Bandhan festival, includes several traditional practices that celebrate the sibling bond. The sister prepares a puja thali containing a Rakhi thread, sweets, a diya (oil lamp), Kumkum, and rice. During the ceremony, the sister performs aarti for her brother, applies a tilak of Kumkum on his forehead, and ties the Rakhi thread around his wrist, symbolizing her prayers for his health and safety.

After tying the Rakhi, the brother typically gives gifts, money, or tokens of appreciation, reinforcing their bond of protection and love. The ritual concludes with a shared meal and festive activities, bringing families together to celebrate. The Rakhi ceremony is not just a physical act but a heartfelt expression of the enduring relationship between siblings. DeshGujarat