Rakshabandhan Special: When is the auspicious time to tie Rakhi?

New Delhi: Today marks the celebration of Rakshabandhan, a festival symbolizing the bond of love between brothers and sisters. However, this year’s festivities come with a cautionary note as the festival coincides with Bhadrakaal, a period considered inauspicious according to Hindu astrology.

Our team spoke with astrologers and architects to understand the implications of Bhadrakaal on Rakshabandhan. Bhadrakaal, as she explained, is a fleeting and unpredictable period lasting approximately two and a half days. This time span is never fully completed in any single zodiac sign, as the Hindu calendar, governed by the moon, sees the moon’s position constantly shifting between signs, altering the timing of dates accordingly.

The Significance of Bhadrakaal on Rakshabandhan

Astrologers highlighted the mythological background of Bhadrakaal, tracing it to Bhadra, the daughter of Lord Surya and Chhaya, and the sister of Shani Dev. While Bhadra was originally born to destroy demons, she eventually became known for obstructing the works of the gods. Due to her disruptive actions, Brahma cursed Bhadra, decreeing that any auspicious activity performed during Bhadrakaal would yield inauspicious results. A notable example from mythology is when Ravana’s sister tied a Rakhi on his wrist during Bhadrakaal, leading to his eventual demise at the hands of Lord Rama.

When is the Best Time to Tie Rakhi?

Given these beliefs, astrologers advise against tying Rakhi during Bhadrakaal to avoid potential negative effects on one’s brother. This year, Bhadrakaal on Rakshabandhan will last until 1:30 PM. After this period, sisters can tie Rakhi anytime until 9:30 PM, which is considered an auspicious time.