Raksha Bandhan and Upakarma Greetings

Upakarma

Understanding Upakarma

Upakarma is an annual Vedic ceremony typically observed on the full moon day of the lunar month of Sravana, which falls in August or September according to the Gregorian calendar, coinciding with the monsoon season. The ritual is known by different names depending on the region: Avani Avittam in Tamil, Jandhyala Punnama in Telugu, and Janivarada Habba in Kannada. This day is also notable for its overlap with other significant events such as Raksha Bandhan and Hayagreeva Jayanthi, the latter honoring the deity associated with knowledge and wisdom.

The term "Upakarma" is derived from the words "Upa," meaning "before," and "Karma," meaning "deed" or "action." It signifies an act performed before the commencement of Vedic studies. The word "Upa" also conveys the sense of being near or closely connected with the Upanishads (Vedas). In essence, Upakarma involves the ceremonial changing of the sacred thread, known as Yagnopaveetham, by members of the three varnas (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas). The ritual also marks the beginning or renewal (Aarambha) of Vedic study, which was historically obligatory for Brahmins.

In ancient times, only those who had undergone the Upanayana Sanskara, which included induction into the Gayatri mantra, were permitted to study the Vedas and Upanishads. The Upakarma ceremony today commemorates this tradition by symbolically renewing the sacred thread and performing rituals that signify the start of Vedic learning.

Upakarma is also considered a day of offering (Samarpana), where the knowledge gained over the past year (Veda Adhyana) is presented at the feet of Lord Hayagreeva or Sri Vedavyasa, in a ritual known as Utsarjana.

Why is Upakarma Performed on this Specific Day?

One might ask why Upakarma is observed on this particular day. The months of Sravana and Bhadrapada fall within the Chaturmasam period, a sacred time dedicated to religious austerities. In earlier times, people would devote six months a year to Vedic studies, beginning with the Upakarma ritual. Although Vedic studies now occur year-round, the tradition of starting with Upakarma continues.

During the monsoon season, travel was difficult, leading people to stay in one place and focus on Vedic studies. This tradition persists among ascetics, who use the Chaturmasam period to perform austerities and engage in the study of the Vedas and Upanishads.

Another reason for observing Upakarma on this day is its alignment with Hayagreeva Jayanthi. According to legend, Lord Hayagreeva, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and the deity of knowledge, appeared on this day to restore the lost Vedas to the world. To honor this, Upakarma is observed as the commencement of Vedic studies, with the Yagnopaveetham being changed to signify that Vedic learning cannot begin without the Upanayana Sanskara.

When Should Upakarma Be Observed?

Although Upakarma is generally held on the full moon day of Sravana Masa, the specific timing depends on the Vedic branch a person belongs to. The Vedas are divided into four branches: Rig Veda, Yajurveda, Sama Veda, and Atharvana Veda. Since ancient times, people have followed one of these branches according to their family lineage.

The timing of Upakarma varies according to the Vedic branch:

• Rig Veda: Observed during Sravana Masa when Sravana Nakshatra, Panchami Tithi, and Hastha Nakshatra occur during Shukla Paksha, with Sravana Nakshatra being the most significant.

• Yajur Veda: Held on the full moon day (Pournami) of Sravana Masa, provided the Pournami Tithi extends beyond Sangavakala and coincides with Pratipada, not Chaturdasi.

• Sama Veda: Upakarma is performed on the day of Hastha Nakshatra during Bhadrapada Masa.

• Atharvana Veda: It can be observed on either Sravana Pournami or Bhadrapada Pournami.

These guidelines apply to both those who perform Upakarma regularly (Nithya) and those doing it for the first time (Noothana).

When Should Upakarma Not Be Observed?

Upakarma should not be performed on specific days, such as:

• During Adhika Masa (Mala Masa) or when there is an eclipse (Grahana).

• If the day coincides with Guru or Sukra Moudyami (Guru/Sukra Astha).

• If there is Jaataasoucha (birth impurity) or Mruthaasoucha (mourning) in the family.

For those performing Upakarma for the first time, it should also not be observed if it coincides with Sankramana.

What if Upakarma Cannot Be Performed on the Scheduled Day?

For followers of Rig Veda and Yajur Veda, if the Sravana Nakshatra or Pournami is not available as scheduled, Upakarma can be performed on the Panchami or Hastha Nakshatra day during Shukla Paksha (for Rig Vedis) and Pournami (for Yajur Vedis) in any of the months of Sravana, Bhadrapada, or Aashada.

Similarly, for Sama Vedis, Upakarma can be held during Sravana Masa on the day of Hastha Nakshatra.

What is Yagnopaveetha Samskara?

Steps to Wear a New Yagnopaveetham:

1. Perform the Necessary Samskara: The Yagnopaveetham should not be worn directly from the shop without performing the required rituals. This includes Guru Vandana, Vighneswara Prarthana, Aachamana, Pranayama, and Sankalpa.

2. Sanctify the Yagnopaveetham: Place the Yagnopaveetham on a copper, silver, or brass plate, sprinkle it with water while reciting the Gayatri Mantra, and apply turmeric and kumkum.

3. Invoke the Presiding Deities: Perform Jalaabhimanthranam, Praana-Pratishta, and invoke the presiding deities of Brahma Granthi (Brahma, Vishnu, and Rudra) and Navathanthu (Omkaara, Agni, Naaga, Soma, Pitru Devathas, Prajapati, Vaayu, Surya, and Vishve-Devathas).

4. Recite the Yagnopaveetha Dharana Mantra: Perform Aachamana and recite the Gayatri Mantra ten times. Hold the Yagnopaveetham with both hands, with the knot facing upwards, and wear it over the left shoulder and under the right arm.

How to Remove an Old Yagnopaveetham:

1. Recite the Visarjana Mantra: Remove the old Yagnopaveetham from below the navel without touching the feet, after reciting the Visarjana Mantra and performing Dasa Gayathri.

2. Dispose of It Properly: The old Yagnopaveetham should be dropped into water or placed on a tree and should not be thrown away carelessly.

Final Steps

Complete the ritual with Abhivaadana and Samarpana, dedicating it to Lord Krishna with the prayer "Sri Krushnaarpanamasthu."

Upakarma Procedure

Upakarma also called Avani Avattam or Janivārada Habba is a Vedic ritual practiced by Hindus of the Brahmin caste. This ritual is also practiced by the Kshatriya and Vaishya community, who are dvijas and therefore have the rights to do Sandhyavandanam, the daily ablution ritual.

Upākarma is conducted once a year during the shravana or Dhanishta Nakshtra of the Hindu calendrical month Shravana when Brahmins ritually change their upanayana thread accompanied by relevant Shrautha rituals, making śrāddha offerings to the rishis, whom Hindus believe composed the Vedic hymns. The day, also called Śshravana Poornima in other parts of India, On the following day, usually coinciding with the Raksha Bandhan festival in Northern and Central India, the Gayatri Mantra is recited 1008 times.

Brahmins belonging to the Samaveda do not perform upakarma rituals or change their thread on this day but rather on Bhādrapada Tritiya, the third day of the month Bhādrapada with Hastaa nakshatra.

• Rigveda Upakarma: Should be done on the day in Shraavana when Shravanais the star and spans at least from sunrise to mid day. But not in Uttara Ashadha if present during sunrise.

• Samaveda Upakarma: Should be done on hasta nakshatra on bhadrapada shuklapaksha

• Krishna Yajurveda: i.e. Taittiriyas& Maitrayanis should do on shravistha, dhanistha,(avittam in Tamil), on shraavana month, whether it falls on purnima yukta Pratipada (Pratipat)during sunrise (Telugu- paadyami) or prathama.

• Shukla Yajurveda: i.e. Vajasaneyi Kanvas and Madhyandinas do in purnima day if purnima is present up to evening.But if punima and pratipada both are present on next day(para viddha) they should do on previous day when chaturdashi stays in day and then purnima comes after mid day(purva viddha).Under no condition they should do/avoid doing in krishna paksha pratipat or broadly speaking they should finish upakarma before approach of krishna paksha.but they postpone upakarma to the next day if purnima is having Uttara Ashadha nakshatra.

• Atharva Veda: They do on the day when purnima lasts during sunrise.(udaya vyapini tithi)

 Raksha Bandhan 2025: Step-by-Step Rakhi Pooja Guide & Rituals

Table of Contents

• How to do Rakhi Pooja step by step?

  • Our Top Gift Picks

  • Gifts for Every Occasion

  • Items Required for Puja

  • Preparations for Raksha Bandhan Puja Vidhi 2025

    • Gather the necessary items

    • Clean and decorate your home

    • Settle down in a quiet place

  • Ritual

    • Offer prayers to the gods

    • Apply the tilak

    • Tie the rakhi

    • Offer coconut and sweets

    • Exchange gifts

    • Spend time together

  • Time and Muhurat 2025

  • When Is Rakshabandhan?

  • Auspicious Time To Tie Rakhi

  • Bhadra Time

• History of Rakshabandhan

  • Our Top Gift Picks

  • Gifts for Every Occasion

• FAQs

  • Which God to pray on Raksha Bandhan?

  • Who touches feet in Raksha Bandhan?

  • What is the Shubh time for tying rakhi?

  • What Happens if you tie rakhi in Bhadra?

How to do Rakhi Pooja step by step?

To do Rakhi Pooja, you will need a Rakhi thali with a diya, akshat (rice mixed with turmeric), kumkum, sweets, and a rakhi. Ask your brother to sit on a platform or on the floor. Apply a tilak on your brother’s forehead with kumkum. Tie the rakhi on your brother’s right wrist. Wave the diya in a circular motion around your brother’s face. Sprinkle akshat on your brother’s head. Offer your brother sweets and gifts. Pray for your brother’s well-being.

Items Required for Puja

Mentioned below are the items you might require for the puja, Additionally, you can order/buy Rakhi online to add a special touch to the celebration

• Dry coconuts

• Rakhis

• Jaggery

• Sweets

• Aarti Puja Thali

• Roli

• Kumkum

• Rice

• Diyas

The steps for the Rakshabandhan Puja Vidhi are mentioned below:

Preparations for Raksha Bandhan Puja Vidhi 2025

Gather the necessary items

You will need a few items to perform the Raksha Bandhan ritual

Clean and decorate your home

As with any puja, it is important to clean and decorate your home before you begin. This will create a sacred space for the ritual.

Settle down in a quiet place

Find a quiet place in your home where you can perform the ritual without being disturbed.

Ritual

Offer prayers to the gods

Begin the ritual by offering prayers to the gods. You can do this by chanting mantras or simply by praying in your own words.

Apply the tilak

Once you have offered prayers, apply the tilak to your brother’s forehead. This is a symbol of your love and protection.

Tie the rakhi

Next tie the rakhi around your brother’s wrist. As you tie the rakhi, pray for his well-being and protection.

Offer coconut and sweets

Offer your brother coconut and sweets as a gesture of your love and respect.

Exchange gifts

Traditionally, brothers and sisters exchange gifts on Raksha Bandhan. This is a way to show their love and appreciation for each other. To make this occasion even more special, you can order Raksha Bandhan gifts for sister. Choose from a wide range of thoughtful presents that reflect your affection and strengthen the bond between siblings

Spend time together

After the ritual, spend some time together with your brother. This is a special day to celebrate your bond and to reaffirm your love for each other.

Time and Muhurat 2025

According to the Sanathan Panchang, the Purnima Tithi, time or Mahurat begins at 2:12 PM on August 8th, 2025, and ends at 1:24 PM on August 9 2025.

When Is Rakshabandhan?

Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the last day of the Hindu lunar calendar month, called Sharvana. It coincides with a full moon day. While the Georgian dates keep changing every year, Raksha Bandhan usually falls during the months of July or August. In 2025, Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on August 30, which happens to be a Wednesday.

Auspicious Time To Tie Rakhi

The auspicious time to tie the rakhi varies yearly based on the specific region and family traditions. Tying the rakhi during the Aparahna period is generally advised, which is the late afternoon time when the Rakhi thread is believed to be most effective.

However, most people refer to a Panchang, the Hindu Almanac, or consult with a priest to determine the specific muhurat for rakhi tying. The auspicious time to tie the rakhi begins at 10:58 AM on Wednesday and ends at 7:05 AM on Thursday.

Bhadra Time

As per Hindu astrology and beliefs, Bhadra time refers to an inauspicious period. It is believed that conducting religious ceremonies, important work, and initiating new ventures can prove unfavourable or unprofitable during the Bhadra time.

Therefore, even on the day of Raksha Bandhan, tying of rakhis is avoided during the Bhadra period to ensure the sanctity and positive energy of the festival. You can refer to the Hindu Calender or Panchang to determine the accurate Bhadra period on Rakhi day. For the year 2025, the Bhadra time starts at 5:39 AM on August 9 and ends at 1:24 PM on the same day.

The power of Raksha Bandhan can turn a fragile thread into strong bonds of love, trust, emotions, and the sacred promise of lifelong support. It is a festival that epitomises the beautiful relationship between brothers and sisters. In this blog, we tell you all about Raksha Bandhan and its puja.

History of Rakshabandhan

The history of Rakshabandhan dates back to ancient times and has its roots in various legends. One such tale talks about Krishna and Draupadi from the epic Mahabharata. According to the story, when Krishna injured his finger, Draupadi tore a piece of her saree and tied it around it to soothe his pain and stop the bleeding. Touched by her care, Krishna promised to protect Draupadi, which became the foundation of Rakshabandhan.

Another story told in the Bhagavat Puran and Vishnu Puran narrates that when Vishnu conquered the three worlds from King Bali, he asked Vishnu to live in his palace. Vishnu’s wife, Lakshmi, was unhappy with this decision, so she tied a rakhi on King Bali’s hand and made him a brother. Honored by the gesture, King Bali granted her a wish which she used to ask for Vishnu’s return.

FAQs

Which God to pray on Raksha Bandhan?

On Raksha Bandhan, sisters pray to God for the well-being of their brothers. Some common gods that are prayed to on Raksha Bandhan include Varuna, Indra, Krishna, and Shiva. The specific god that is prayed to on Raksha Bandhan may vary depending on the region or family tradition.

Who touches feet in Raksha Bandhan?

On Raksha Bandhan, the sister touches the feet of her brother as a gesture of respect. This is a symbolic gesture that shows the sister’s love and devotion for her brother.

What is the Shubh time for tying rakhi?

According to the Sanathan Panchang, the Purnima Tithi, time or Mahurat begins at 2:12 PM on August 8th, 2025, and ends at 1:24 PM on August 9 2025.

What Happens if you tie rakhi in Bhadra?

It is believed that tying rakhi in Bhadra can bring bad luck. Bhadra is a lunar fortnight that is considered to be inauspicious. Therefore, it is generally advised to avoid tying rakhi during this time.

Raksha Bandhan

Rakhi for Raksha Bandhan is a Hindu religious festival celebrated across India. The main significance of Raksha Bandhan is a sacred thread. During that day, his sister tie-up this sacred thread called Rakhi on the wrist of his brother. According to Hindu belief, the tie-up of Rakhi shows the bonding between brothers and sisters. And also it protects the person who wears it on that auspicious day of Shravana Purnima. As stated in the history of Raksha Bandhan says that once a goddess named Indrani tied up Rakshi to Lord Indra. Then victory of Indra over demons is the secret result that shows the power of Rakhi. Another story of Legend Lord Yama, God of Death shows the power of Rakshi by blessing his sister and saying that all sisters tying Rakhi on Shravana Purnima will get his blessings. It has a special auspicious time to tie Rakhi and is known as Rakhi Muhurat. Hence Rakhi is the representation that shows love and gratitude towards sister by a brother. At the same time, he wants to promise that to help the sisters from all the dangerous situations and troubles. The custom of wearing Rakshi or changing Rakshi on Shravana Purnima is Upakarma. Upakarma is a Vedic ritual mainly practised by Brahmins. The rituals of Raksha Bandhan begins with applying Tilak on the forehead of brothers by sisters and tie up the Rakhi on the wrist of brothers. She pays to a God for the well being and long life of brothers through doing aarti and gives sweets to eat. After that brothers give gifts to their sisters and promises to take care of her at any time in any situation To show the protection of nature, sisters tie-up Rakshi firstly on the Tulsi plant and secondly on the Peepal tree before tie-up to brothers. When a girl wants to adopt a boy like his brother, she can tie up Rakhi on the wrist of the boy that shows not only the relationship between a brother and sister but also shows the bonding between two families. In the ancient period, this Rakhi was tied up by the wife to her husband, but later it was changed in the Vedic period from Lord Yama to sister Yamuna. Different varieties of Rakshi are available today. Zardosi Rakshi is the first type made up of silver wires, decorative stones, velvet satin etc.. Another type is Spiritual Rakhi made in the shape of Gods. Om Rakhi, Ganesha Rakhi, Rudraksha Rakhi etc are some of the spiritual Rakhis. Kids Rakhi is another type that is designed with cartoon characters such as Chhota Bheem, Doraemon, Barbie etc. Another type is Lumba Rakhi and that is a common tradition in the Marwari community. Handcrafted Rakhi is another type that sisters are making these types of Rakhi by using gemstones, ribbons, coloured papers etc.