On Monday, August 19, Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated, but the auspicious timing for tying the rakhi will only begin after 1:30 PM due to the presence of Bhadrā until then. Raksha Bandhan rituals are not governed by special timings such as Choghadiya or Lagna; the only consideration is the end of Bhadrā.
Sisters can tie rakhi to their brothers any time after Bhadrā ends and until sunset. Although there is no traditional scriptural mandate to perform Raksha Bandhan at night, if daytime observance is not feasible, it is perfectly acceptable to perform the ritual after sunset.
August 19 also marks the full moon day of Sawan (Sawan Purnima), which is significant for both Raksha Bandhan and the worship of Lord Shiva. On this day, sisters tie rakhi to their brothers, and devotees may also offer Raksha Sutra (a protective thread) to Lord Shiva. It is believed that presenting this thread to one’s deity can alleviate personal issues.
According to Pt. Manish Sharma, an astrologer from Ujjain, performing worship of Lord Shiva according to one’s zodiac sign on Sawan Purnima can help mitigate astrological doshas (flaws) in one’s horoscope. Alongside worship, it is also recommended to engage in charitable acts such as donating grains, money, clothes, umbrellas, shoes, and supporting cow shelters.
Here’s how to perform Shiva worship based on your zodiac sign:
Aries (Mesha) : Offer yogurt and red gulal to the Shiva Lingam.
Taurus (Vrishabha) : Offer milk to the Shiva Lingam and perform special prayers to Nandi.
Gemini (Mithun) : Bathe Lord Ganesha, Shiva, and Goddess Parvati. Offer Bilva leaves to Shiva and Durva grass to Ganesha.
Cancer (Karka) : Bathe the Shiva Lingam with raw milk and offer white flowers.
Leo (Simha) : Bathe the Shiva Lingam with cool water while chanting the mantra “Om Namah Shivaya.”
Virgo (Kanya) : Offer mung beans to the Shiva Lingam and provide a prasad of mung bean halwa.
Libra (Tula) : Offer white cloth to the Shiva Lingam and adorn Goddess Parvati with beauty items.
Scorpio (Vrishchika) : Offer red flowers and red gulal to the Shiva Lingam.
Sagittarius (Dhanu) : Offer yellow flowers to the Shiva Lingam.
Capricorn (Makara) : Offer black sesame seeds and blue flowers to the Shiva Lingam.
Aquarius (Kumbha) : Mix black sesame seeds in water and bathe the Shiva Lingam.
Pisces (Meena) : Apply sandalwood paste to the Shiva Lingam and offer besan laddus as prasad.
By observing these traditions, one can ensure a meaningful and auspicious celebration of Raksha Bandhan and Sawan Purnima.