Puri / Puri, Mukti Mandap Clears Air on When to Celebrate Raksha Bandhan

Puri, Aug 24: The annual festival of Raksha Bandhan, also known as Rakhi Purnima or Gamha Purnima, has sparked confusion this year as the full moon spans two consecutive days.

Devotees and families across Odisha wondered whether to celebrate on August 27 or August 28. The Mukti Mandap Pandits of Jagannath Temple have now clarified the matter, putting an end to the uncertainty.

According to Mukti Mandap Pandit Prafulla Mishra, Shravan Purnima is traditionally observed as Gamha Purnima, coinciding with Lord Balabhadra’s birth anniversary at the Jagannath Temple.

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On this day, special rituals are performed in the temple, while households across the state mark Raksha Bandhan by sisters tying the sacred thread on their brothers’ wrists.

This year, Purnima begins on August 27 at 9:08 AM and continues throughout the day. Since Raksha Bandhan is a midday ritual, common people are advised to celebrate on August 27 itself.

Pandit Mishra explained that while temple rituals follow the sunrise-based system, household observances follow the karmakalin (midday) tradition. Thus, families should tie Rakhi on August 27 without hesitation.

On August 28, the temple will conduct Lord Balabhadra’s Janmaniti, the Raksha Bandhan of Lord Jagannath, and Sudarshan’s Chari Ashrama Bije rituals. These are specific to temple traditions and differ from household practices.

Scholars, paṇḍits, and cultural researchers have unanimously agreed that the general public should celebrate Raksha Bandhan on August 27.

With this clarification, devotees can now prepare for the festival with joy and certainty. Sisters will tie the sacred thread, symbolizing love and protection, while brothers pledge lifelong support. The festival, rooted in tradition and affection, continues to strengthen family bonds across generations.