Raksha Bandhan, a festival which celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters, is being celebrated across the country today. Celebrated annually on the full moon day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Shravan, Raksha Bandhan is marked by the custom of sisters tying Rakhi on their brothers’ wrist symbolizing live and protection.

While preparations for Raksha Bandhan is in full swing with markets bustling with rakhis and sweets, the observance of Rakhi in Haryana and Himachal Pradesh faces an impact due to the effect of Bhadra, an inauspicious time according to Hindu beliefs. Hence, siblings in these two states have to observe Rakhi within a limited time of only two hours in the afternoon.

As per Drik Panchang, the full moon of Shravan started on August 19 at 3:04 am marking the start of Raksha Bandhan festivities. The full moon period will last till 11:55 pm today.

However, the presence of Bhadra from today morning has left its impact on the Rakhi rituals. It is commonly believed that no auspicious activities can be conducted during Bhadra kaal. Thus, the time for tying Rakhi will start from 1:46 pm in the afternoon and will last till 4:19 pm, giving roughly a window of only two hours for the ritual in Haryana and Himachal Pradesh.