Raksha Bandhan 2024: Expert Advice on the Ideal Time to Untie the Rakhi
Raksha Bandhan, a cherished Hindu festival symbolizing the bond between brothers and sisters, will be observed on Monday, August 19, 2024. This festival is marked by the sister tying a Rakhi (a sacred thread) around her brother's wrist, signifying protection, love, and mutual care.
According to Kashi astrologer Chakrapani Bhatt, the Rakhi should ideally remain on the wrist for 24 hours. Bhatt advises that the most auspicious time for tying the Rakhi this year falls between 1:30 PM and 9:08 PM. He highlights that the early morning hours are less favorable due to the Bhadra period, which is considered inauspicious for such rituals.
The festival is celebrated on the full moon day of Sawan, and the choice of timing and duration for keeping the Rakhi tied holds significant importance. While traditional practices vary, Bhatt emphasizes that maintaining the Rakhi on the wrist for a full day is ideal. After this period, it is advisable to remove the Rakhi. In some traditions, the Rakhi may be kept until Janmashtami, but Bhatt warns that keeping it beyond Sawan Purnima, which precedes the Pitru Paksha period, might lead to impurity. This is due to the belief that prolonged wearing can cause the Rakhi to absorb negative energy, making it imperative to remove it within a day to maintain its sanctity.
Once removed, the Rakhi can be disposed of in a reverent manner. Immersing it in water or placing it in a sacred box or tying it to a holy tree, such as the Dev tree, are recommended practices.
For the Raksha Bandhan celebration, Bhatt advises selecting Rakhis made from natural materials like raw thread or silk, which align with traditional customs and are deemed more auspicious. He suggests avoiding plastic Rakhis and those in brown or black colors, as well as opting for more practical choices over gold or silver Rakhis, which, while popular, may not be suitable for everyone.
By following these guidelines, participants can ensure that their Raksha Bandhan celebrations are both meaningful and aligned with traditional practices.
