Sravana Pournami 2026

Sravana Pournami is the full-moon day of Shravana Shukla Paksha, known in the Telugu states as Rakhi Pournami and Jandhyala Pournami. Raksha Bandhan, when sisters tie a rakhi on their brothers' wrists, Upakarma, when those who wear the sacred thread put on a new yajnopavitam, and Hayagriva Jayanti all fall on this day.

Stories Behind Raksha Bandhan

One story says that when Sri Maha Vishnu, after the Vamana Avataram, stayed on as guard with Bali Chakravarthi, Lakshmi Devi tied a raksha on Bali as his sister and asked for her Lord's return as a boon. Another tells how Draupadi tore the edge of her saree to bind Sri Krishna's bleeding finger after Shishupala vadha, and Krishna repaid her by protecting her honour in the Kaurava court. The Bhavishya Purana says Shachi Devi tied a raksha on Indra for his victory over the asuras. Raksha means protection, a bond of love and responsibility.

Jandhyala Pournami (Upakarma)

Those who wear the yajnopavitam bathe, take sankalpam, offer rishi tarpanam, discard the old sacred thread and wear a new one, renewing their Vedic study. The exact Upakarma day can differ slightly by Veda shakha. Lord Hayagriva, the embodiment of knowledge, is believed to have appeared on Shravana Pournami, so students worship him on this day.

How to Tie a Rakhi

• Bathe in the morning, worship your family deity and prepare a plate with rakhi, kumkum, akshatalu, a lamp and sweets.
• Seat your brother facing east, apply bottu on his forehead and sprinkle akshatalu.
• Tie the rakhi on his right wrist, offer harathi and feed him a sweet.
• The brother bows to (or blesses) his sister, gives a gift and promises lifelong support.
• Elders advise tying the rakhi after Bhadra kalam ends, if it falls that day.

Significance

Shravana is the month of auspicious events, and Varalakshmi vratham is usually observed on the Friday before this Pournami. Sravana Pournami honours family bonds, Vedic tradition and knowledge all at once. Homes fill with festive food such as payasam, bobbatlu and pulihora.

May this Rakhi Pournami strengthen the love between brothers and sisters and bring protection and joy to all.