Raksha Bandhan 2023: Understanding the Two-Day Celebration
Raksha Bandhan, a cherished Hindu festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters, is around the corner. Traditionally falling on the full moon day of the Shravan month’s bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha), Raksha Bandhan holds great significance. However, this year presents a unique situation, prompting the festival to span across two days – August 30th and 31st. The reason for this uncertainty lies in the presence of a phenomenon called “Bhadra” coinciding with the full moon date within the Shravan month.
The Bhadra time, believed to be inauspicious according to Hindu beliefs, has led to a dilemma regarding the appropriate date for celebrating Raksha Bandhan. The overlap of Bhadra and the full moon day has caused hesitancy among sisters in deciding when to perform the traditional act of tying protective threads, or Rakhi’s, on their brothers’ wrists.
On August 30th, the day earmarked for Raksha Bandhan, the Bhadra period casts its shadow throughout the entire day. This Bhadra period starts along with the commencement of the Shravan Shukla Purnima (full moon) date at 10:59 AM and extends until 9:01 PM on the same day. According to Hindu customs, positive and auspicious activities are usually avoided during Bhadra, making the timing of Rakhi tying uncertain.
To determine the best time, experts turn to the Panchang (Hindu calendar), which indicates that the Bhadra period ends on August 30th after 9:01 PM. Thus, the most propitious time to celebrate Raksha Bandhan is post this Bhadra phase, adhering to the tradition of avoiding inauspicious times.
Interestingly, the confusion arises from the confluence of several factors on August 30th. This day marks the beginning of Sawan Purnima at 10:59 AM, continuing until 07:05 AM on August 31st. Simultaneously, it heralds the onset of the Bhadrapada month and the initiation of the Bhadra period at 10:59 AM, culminating at 9:01 PM on the same day. Navigating these overlapping time frames is the key to ensuring an auspicious Raksha Bandhan celebration.
While the Bhadra period extends into the next day, astrological guidance often discourages the practice of tying Rakhis during nighttime. Hence, while the Bhadra period concludes on August 30th, many astrologers advise waiting until daytime for the Rakhi ceremony.
In essence, this year’s Raksha Bandhan unfolds over two days due to the Bhadra’s influence on the auspicious timing. Navigating through the intricacies of the Hindu calendar and its astrological implications, the most suitable time for Rakhi tying remains after the Bhadra period concludes on August 30th. This confluence of traditions, lunar phases, and astrological considerations makes Raksha Bandhan 2023 a unique and thoughtful celebration.