How long should Rakhi be worn after Rakshabandhan? Image Credit Source: Uma Shankar Sharma/Moment/Getty Images
Raksha bandhan 2025: The festival of Rakshabandhan is a symbol of unwavering love and belief of brother and sister. On this day, sisters tie a rakhi on their brother’s wrist and wish for their long life and happiness and prosperity, while the brothers pledge to protect their sisters. But often the question comes to mind that after the end of Rakhi festival, how long should it be kept on the wrist? Should it be removed immediately or has any special rule? Let us know the answer to this question according to religious beliefs and traditions.
Religious beliefs and rules
From full moon to next 15 days
In Sanatan Dharma, it is considered inauspicious to remove any auspicious work or sacred object immediately. According to religious beliefs, Rakhi is considered to be the Raksha Sutra which protects the brother. Therefore, it is auspicious to keep it tied for full 15 days. This period is also called the ‘fifteen-day festival’, which further strengthens the relationship between brother and sister.
Also read: Which mantra should be uttered while tying a rakhi on Rakshabandhan?
The right time to take off
According to some beliefs, Rakhi should be tied up to Janmashtami. This year, Rakshabandhan is on 9 August and Janmashtami is on 15 August. During this time it is considered very auspicious to keep Rakhi on the wrist. After Janmashtami, when you remove the rakhi, keep it in a holy place, like flowing under a tree or in water.
Tradition of wearing up to Dussehra
It is also a tradition in some areas that Rakhi is worn till Dussehra. The festival of Dussehra is a symbol of the victory of good over evil. The rakhi tied on the brother’s wrist acts like a shield for him and protects him from every evil. It is considered auspicious to remove Rakhi only after Dussehra.
16 days rule
According to astrology and almanac, it is very fruitful to keep Rakhi tied on the wrist for 16 days. This period is called the ‘fifteen -day festival’, which includes the full moon to the next 15 days. On the 16th day, the rakhi should be removed and immersed in a river or reservoir. It is believed that doing so ensures the brother’s long life and success.
The right way to remove the rakhi
Rakhi should never be thrown like this. It is a sacred thread and should be removed with respect. After removing the rakhi, it is considered to be the best to flow it into a running water. This thread takes all the troubles and negative energy of the brother with him. If there is no river nearby, then you can keep Rakhi under a tree or in a holy place. On the other hand, if the rakhi breaks or becomes dirty, then it is auspicious to keep it near the basil plant and bid farewell with her prayer.
Also read: Tie lucky colored Rakhi on this Rakshabandhan according to the amount, the fate of brother will shine throughout the year!
Disclaimer: The information given in this news is based on religious beliefs. TV 9 India does not confirm this.