Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated across India on Friday, August 28, 2026, coinciding with Shravana Purnima. The festival, which celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters, will also bring a state-specific holiday for bank branches in several parts of the country. However, August 28 is not a uniform bank holiday across India, with closures varying according to the Reserve Bank of India’s city-wise holiday calendar.

The day is also significant from an astronomical perspective as a partial lunar eclipse is scheduled for August 28. According to NASA’s eclipse data, the partial lunar eclipse will reach its greatest phase at around 4:12 UTC, with the event falling during the August 27–28 eclipse period.

Raksha Bandhan on August 28

Raksha Bandhan is traditionally observed on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravana, also known as Shravan Purnima. On the occasion, sisters tie rakhi on their brothers’ wrists and offer prayers for their well-being, while brothers traditionally express their affection and commitment to protect their sisters.

In 2026, the festival falls on August 28. Shravana Purnima begins on August 27 and continues into August 28, making the latter the principal day for Raksha Bandhan observances in many parts of the country.

Bank Holiday Is Not Nationwide

Although Raksha Bandhan is widely observed, bank branches will not be closed across every state and city on August 28. The RBI holiday calendar provides for regional closures based on local festivals and observances.

According to the latest city-wise holiday information, bank branches are scheduled to remain closed in several locations, including Bhopal, Ahmedabad, Dehradun, Jaipur, Jammu, Kanpur, Kochi, Lucknow, Shimla, Srinagar and Thiruvananthapuram. Other reports also list states such as Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Gujarat and parts of the northeastern region among areas where closures apply.

Customers planning branch visits should therefore check the holiday schedule applicable to their city rather than assuming that all bank branches will be shut. Digital services such as internet banking, mobile banking, UPI and ATMs generally remain available even when physical branches are closed.

Lunar Eclipse Adds Significance

August 28 will also coincide with a partial lunar eclipse. NASA lists the event as the second lunar eclipse of 2026, following the total lunar eclipse in March. The August event has a maximum eclipse magnitude of about 0.93 and reaches its greatest point at approximately 4:12 UTC.

Because eclipse visibility depends on the location of the Moon relative to the horizon, the event should not automatically be treated as visible from every part of India. Astronomical timings should also be distinguished from religious interpretations or local Panchang calculations.

PMJDY Anniversary Connection

August 28 also marks the anniversary of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), which was launched by the Government of India on August 28, 2014. The date therefore marks 12 years since the financial-inclusion scheme was launched.

The anniversary connection should not, however, be confused with a newly announced national government programme. There is no indication in the information available for this report of a separate nationwide mega government event specifically scheduled for August 28, 2026.

What People Should Know

For the public, August 28 is primarily important as the date of Raksha Bandhan and Shravana Purnima, while the bank holiday status depends on the location. People who need branch-based banking services should verify their local bank holiday before visiting.

The lunar eclipse is a separate astronomical event and does not by itself mean that all banking or government activities will be suspended. Religious practices surrounding the eclipse, including beliefs concerning Sutak or the timing of rituals, vary according to regional traditions and Panchang calculations.

With Raksha Bandhan, Shravana Purnima and the lunar eclipse occurring around the same date, August 28 is set to be a notable day on India’s religious and cultural calendar, while the PMJDY anniversary adds a separate public-policy milestone to the date.

Hariyali Teej, one of the prominent festivals celebrated during the Hindu month of Shravan, will be observed on Saturday, August 15, 2026. The festival, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, holds special significance for married women, who observe fasts and offer prayers for the health, longevity and well-being of their husbands and families.

Also known as Sawan Teej, Choti Teej and Madhusrava Teej, the festival is celebrated across several parts of North India. The occasion is marked by traditional attire, mehendi, swings, folk songs and special prayers.

Hariyali Teej 2026 Date and Tithi

According to the Panchang timings provided for Ujjain, the Tritiya Tithi will begin at 6:47 PM on August 14 and end at 5:29 PM on August 15.

On August 15, sunrise in Ujjain will be at around 6:07 AM, while sunset will take place at approximately 6:55 PM. Moonrise is expected at 8:25 AM, with moonset around 8:43 PM.

Since Panchang timings can vary slightly from one location to another, devotees are advised to check the local Panchang for city-specific timings.

Why Is Hariyali Teej Celebrated?

Hariyali Teej is associated with the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. According to Hindu tradition, Goddess Parvati undertook severe penance to attain Lord Shiva as her husband. Her devotion eventually led to their union.

For this reason, married women worship Shiva and Parvati on Hariyali Teej and pray for marital happiness, prosperity and the well-being of their families. Unmarried women may also observe the fast and offer prayers for a suitable life partner.

Green Attire and Traditional Shringar

The colour green has a special place in Hariyali Teej celebrations. Women traditionally wear green sarees, lehengas or other festive outfits and decorate their hands with mehendi.

Traditional bangles, sindoor, bindis and jewellery are also an important part of the celebrations. In several families, newly married women receive clothes, bangles, sweets and other traditional items from their in-laws as part of the Sindharatradition.

Women may also visit their parental homes to celebrate the festival with family members.

Mehendi, Swings and Folk Songs

Hariyali Teej is closely associated with the monsoon season and the greenery that surrounds communities during Sawan. Swings are traditionally tied to trees and courtyards, with women gathering to sing traditional songs and celebrate together.

Mehendi is another important part of the festival. Women decorate their hands with intricate designs, while in some traditions the name or initials of their husband or loved one are incorporated into the design.

Hariyali Teej Vrat

Many women observe a fast on Hariyali Teej. In some communities, women traditionally observe a Nirjala Vrat, during which they refrain from both food and water for the day.

However, fasting practices differ between families and regions. People with health conditions, elderly women and pregnant women should not undertake prolonged or waterless fasting without appropriate medical advice.

The fast is generally associated with prayers to Goddess Parvati for marital happiness and the prosperity and well-being of the family.

Regional Names and Celebrations

Hariyali Teej is celebrated with different local traditions across India. In Rajasthan, Teej celebrations are particularly prominent, while in Punjab the festival is associated with Teeyan traditions.

The festival also has a strong cultural presence in the Braj region. In Vrindavan and surrounding areas, temples organise monsoon celebrations featuring decorated swings, devotional music and special adornment of deities.

Cultural Significance of Hariyali Teej

Beyond its religious importance, Hariyali Teej represents a celebration of women's traditions, family bonds, music, seasonal change and the arrival of the monsoon.

The festival provides an opportunity for women to come together, participate in traditional activities and celebrate with their families. Although many customs have evolved over time, rituals such as Shiva-Parvati worship, mehendi, green attire, swings and Sawan songs remain closely associated with Hariyali Teej.

As the festival falls on August 15 this year, celebrations will coincide with Independence Day. Communities across different parts of the country are expected to observe both occasions through their respective cultural and public programmes.

Note: The above timings are based on Panchang information for Ujjain. Puja and Tithi timings may vary depending on the location.

Gauna Ekadashi – A Sacred Occasion for Devotion

Today marks Gauna Ekadashi, a sacred occasion for devotees across India to step back, worship Lord Vishnu, and embark on a more righteous path. Religious texts indicate this is the Krishna Ekadashi of the Ashadha month, observed with great reverence throughout the country.

Exact Auspicious Timings for Fasting

According to the Vedic panchang, the Ekadashi tithi extends until 7:53 AM today, after which Dwadashi begins. Devotees are advised to begin the fast with faith, adhere to correct local timings, and break the fast only during the right Parana timings as per their panchang. The Dwadashi tithi continues until 2:04 AM on July 12.

Shani Dev’s Day Brings Special Significance

Saturday is dedicated to Lord Shani Dev, the god of justice and the giver of results. The convergence of Gauna Ekadashi with Shanivara creates a spiritually potent combination. Astrologers suggest this is an ideal time for charitable acts and donations.

Three Auspicious Yogas Today

Today features three auspicious yogas – Tripushkar Yoga, Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga and Amrit Siddhi Yoga. Tripushkar Yoga is active from morning until 11:03 AM. These yogas are considered highly favourable for spiritual activities and important beginnings.

Shubh Muhurat and Rahu Kaal Timings

Shubh Muhurat:

• Abhijit Muhurat: 11:59 AM to 12:54 PM

• Brahma Muhurat: 4:09 AM to 4:50 AM

• Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga: 11:03 AM onwards

Rahu Kaal: 10:42 AM to 12:26 PM
Yamaganda: 3:54 PM to 5:38 PM
Gulika: 7:15 AM to 8:59 AM

Spiritual Significance and Remedies

The Krishna Dwadashi tithi is considered excellent for clearing excess and keeping only what still holds value. Devotees are encouraged to:

• Observe the Ekadashi fast with devotion

• Worship Lord Vishnu with traditional rituals

• Offer donations and charity on this sacred Saturday

• Chant mantras dedicated to Lord Shani Dev

Health and Wellness Guidance

Astrologers advise devotees to maintain a balanced approach to fasting. Those with health conditions should consult their physicians before observing a strict fast. The day carries energy that supports physical cleansing and spiritual renewal.

Cultural Connection in Modern Times

As one astrological analysis noted, “Staying connected to our cultural roots also keeps the mind calm in a noisy week”. The panchang serves as a guide for those seeking to align their daily activities with cosmic energies. For busy individuals, even simple acts of devotion and mindful observation of these auspicious timings can bring spiritual benefits.

Experts recommend using the morning hours for cleaning and pruning, while midday onwards is suitable for building and soothing activities. The Moon remains in Taurus until 7:06 PM on July 12, after which it transitions to Gemini.