Mumbai: As Raksha Bandhan 2025 approaches, many brothers and sisters across India are preparing for the heartfelt tradition of tying and receiving rakhi. But a question that often arises each year is—what should be done with the rakhi tied last year? While some people continue wearing it for the entire year, Hindu religious beliefs suggest specific customs for removing and respectfully disposing of the old rakhi.
Religious texts and traditions say that last year’s rakhi should not be worn indefinitely. Instead, it should be removed either within 24 hours of Raksha Bandhan or on Krishna Janmashtami, which closely follows the festival. Keeping rakhi tied throughout the year is not considered auspicious unless it’s made of gold or silver. So what’s the proper way to discard the old thread? Here’s what you need to know.
When should you remove last year’s rakhi?
According to Hindu belief, rakhi tied the previous year should be taken off on Raksha Bandhan itself or at most within 24 hours. Alternatively, it can be removed on Janmashtami. Wearing the rakhi for an entire year is not recommended, as it is believed to lose its purity over time.
Why remove the rakhi before Pitru Paksha?
It is considered important to remove rakhi before the beginning of Pitru Paksha, a period associated with ancestral rituals. During this time, keeping rakhi tied is believed to be impure. However, if the rakhi is made of precious metals like gold or silver, one may choose to wear it for the entire year.
How to respectfully dispose of an old rakhi?
Rather than discarding last year’s rakhi in the trash, it should be respectfully immersed or repurposed. Disposing of rakhi casually is considered disrespectful in Hindu culture.
Where and how can you dispose of it?
You can immerse the old rakhi in a flowing water body such as a river or pond. If that is not possible, you may place it under a tree or bury it in the soil. While immersing, some people also add a coin as part of the ritual.
What to do if the rakhi is damaged?
If the rakhi has become torn or broken, it is advised to wrap it in a red cloth and place it in a safe spot before immersing it later. Another acceptable method is to tie the old rakhi to a sacred tree, such as a peepal or banyan tree.
(Disclaimer: The information provided is based on traditional beliefs and religious texts. News9 Live does not endorse or validate these claims.)