Let’s be honest—no matter how grown-up we become, some things don’t change. Like your sister still reminding you about that one time you broke her doll, or your brother always asking for favours last minute and saying, “But I’m your brother!”
And then there’s Raksha Bandhan—a festival that somehow captures all those little moments in one day.
It’s not perfect. Sometimes the Rakhi breaks too early, or the courier gets delayed. Sometimes siblings are far apart. But none of that changes what the festival means.
It’s a day for love. For pulling each other’s leg. For remembering why that annoying person is also your favourite.
When Is Raksha Bandhan in 2025?
Raksha Bandhan in 2025 will be celebrated on Thursday, 7 August. The Shubh Muhurat (the best time to tie Rakhi) falls during the day, but honestly, even if you’re a little late, that thread still carries the same love.
Raksha Bandhan Muhurat and timing
- You can start tying the Rakhi from 10:15 AM, and the time remains favourable until about 08:25 PM.
- The most preferred period, known as the Aparahna Muhurat, is between 1:35 PM to 4:12 PM.
- The full moon, or Purnima Tithi, starts at 6:46 PM on 6 August and ends at 5:59 PM on 7 August.
But if your brother’s running late or stuck in traffic—as they often are—it’s okay. The real shubh time is the time you both show up for each other.
What Makes Raksha Bandhan So Special?
You know those festivals where you’re more excited for the food than the people? Raksha Bandhan isn’t like that. This one’s about connection. The name itself—”Raksha Bandhan”—means a bond of protection.
Traditionally, it’s about a sister tying a Rakhi (a sacred thread) on her brother’s wrist. She prays for his well-being. He promises to protect her, always. Simple. But over time, that thread has come to mean much more.
It’s now tied between siblings, cousins, friends, even neighbours. I know someone who ties a Rakhi to her elder sister every year. Another friend ties one to her best friend—because she was more present in her life than her own brother ever was. The meaning has grown. But the heart of it? Still the same.
Quick Look Back: A Few Stories Behind Raksha Bandhan
Why do we even celebrate this? Well, apart from the emotional reasons, there are a few stories—some ancient, some historical.
Krishna and Draupadi
This one is probably the most mentioned. Krishna once cut his finger, and Draupadi, without a second’s delay, tore her saree to wrap his wound. That little act stayed with Krishna.
Later, when she needed help—badly—he showed up. Fully. That promise of protection? Fulfilled.
Rani Karnavati and Humayun
Rani Karnavati, the queen of Chittor, once sent a Rakhi to Emperor Humayun. She needed help. He could’ve ignored it. But he didn’t. He saw the Rakhi as a bond of trust, not politics. And rushed to support her.
These stories, whether you believe every detail or not, show what Raksha Bandhan really represents—loyalty, connection, respect, and love.
The Real Celebration: What Actually Happens on Rakhi
You wake up. Some people shower early. The sisters are already prepping the puja thali—a small plate with the Rakhi, rice, roli (vermilion), sweets, a diya, and sometimes a coin.
The brother sits. Or fidgets.
She puts a tilak on his forehead. Sprinkles some rice. Ties the Rakhi. Waves the diya around him (aarti). Then comes the sweets. And of course, the gifts. That’s the fun part.
Gifts can be anything, really. A watch, a chocolate box, even just cash. But what you give depends more on the bond than the budget. After the ceremony, most families sit together for lunch. Laughter follows. Old stories are brought up. Sometimes there’s teasing, sometimes there are hugs. Sometimes both.
Why Raksha Bandhan Still Hits Home (Even Now)
In a time where everything is fast—texts, reels, replies—this one festival slows us down. Even for a moment. It gives you a reason to call. To visit. To reconnect.
Maybe you haven’t spoken in weeks. Maybe things have been awkward. But on Raksha Bandhan, you remember: they’re your sibling. And that counts for something. Even when you’re older—30, 40, 50—it doesn’t stop meaning something. In fact, it might mean more. Because as life gets busier, these small moments of connection matter more than ever.
Gifting Ideas That Actually Mean Something
Gifts don’t need to be expensive. They just need to be real. Here’s a list of Raksha Bandhan gift ideas that work across siblings—funny, sweet, emotional, or just something nice to open.
For Sisters
- Flowers or bouquets – Choose fresh ones in bright shades like yellow or soft pink.
- Flower arrangements or flower boxes – A more fancy version, often used as a centerpiece.
- Preserved roses – They last for months and feel meaningful.
- Personalised chocolates – Her name on the box, or a message that teases her.
- Chocolates – Classic. Pick her favourites.
- Cakes – Go for flavours she likes—mango, caramel, or chocolate never fail.
- Personalised cushions or mugs – Add an old photo or an embarrassing childhood nickname.
- Gift hampers – Mix of skincare, snacks, candles. Perfect for pampering.
- Perfumes – A light, floral one is a safe pick.
- Greeting card – Write what you wouldn’t say out loud. She’ll probably read it twice.
For Brothers
- Plants – A small one for his desk. Something low-maintenance (like him).
- Personalised mug – With “world’s okayest brother” printed on it.
- Cake – One slice or an entire box. It’ll be gone either way.
- Chocolates – He’ll act like he doesn’t want them. Then finish them.
- Soft toys – For younger brothers or as a joke.
- Balloons – Sounds silly? It’ll make him smile.
- Greeting card – Be funny, sarcastic, or brutally honest. He’ll appreciate it.
When Siblings Are Far Apart
Not everyone gets to be home for Rakhi. And that’s okay. There are ways to make it count, even from far away.
- Send Rakhi Online. Add a handwritten note if possible.
- Order a cake or flowers to their place.
- Do a quick video call. Or a long one, if emotions take over.
- Share old photos. Or send a funny voice note.
- Celebrate a few days later. When you meet. That works too.
What matters is that you remember, and make the effort.
A Few More Ways to Celebrate Rakhi
Some people keep it simple. Others go all out. There’s no wrong way. But if you want to do something a little extra this year, try this:
- Make your sibling’s favourite dish. Even if it turns out badly.
- Watch a movie you both used to love as kids.
- Open an old photo album. Cringe together.
- Share a memory they forgot.
- Tell them something nice. Without sarcasm. Just once.
It’s Okay if It’s Not Perfect
Let’s be real. Things don’t always go as planned. Sometimes the Rakhi doesn’t arrive on time. Or the gift gets lost. Or someone’s flight is delayed. And sometimes, the moment you’re about to tie the Rakhi, you realise—you forgot the roli. It’s okay.
What matters isn’t the rituals being exact. It’s the feeling being real. So even if things go a little off, laugh about it. That memory might be even more special later.
Raksha Bandhan in Modern Times
It’s no longer just about brother and sister. It’s about people you love and want to protect—or be protected by.
- Sisters tie Rakhis to sisters.
- Friends do it too.
- Some tie them to teachers, neighbours, mentors.
- Some kids tie Rakhis to police officers or soldiers.
It’s become a festival of respect and bond—not just blood. And that’s kind of beautiful.
More Than Just a Festival
Some people think Raksha Bandhan is just about traditions. About rituals and sweets and gift-giving. But honestly, it’s more than that.
It’s that one day when you stop whatever’s going on in your life, and you think of your sibling. Maybe you haven’t called them in months. Maybe you fought the last time you spoke. Doesn’t matter.
On Raksha Bandhan, you reach out. Sometimes it’s a real Rakhi. Other times, it’s just a message. Or a meme. Or a shared memory. But it connects you. And that connection—that little reminder of, “Hey, you still matter to me”—is what makes this day feel special.
Whether you’re tying the thread in person, sending it from afar, or even just remembering a sibling who’s no longer around—what matters is that you feel something. And that, truly, is the whole point of it.
So… What’s the Takeaway?
If you’re still wondering when is Raksha Bandhan in 2025, here’s your answer again: Thursday, August 7. But remember, the date is only part of the story. This festival is about showing up. For your sibling. Your chosen family. Your memories. Yourself.
It’s about taking a few minutes out of your busy life to say—”I care about you, and I always will.” That one thread on the wrist may be simple. But the feeling it carries? That lasts way longer. So, tie the Rakhi. Or receive it. Share the sweets. Take the photos. Make the call. Laugh. Cry. Fight. Forgive.
