How to Tie a Rakhi, With the Mantra and Its Meaning
The step-by-step way most families tie a rakhi, which wrist and how many knots, and the Sanskrit mantra recited during the ritual, with a plain English meaning.
The short answer
- Tie the rakhi on the brother's right wrist, usually with three knots.
- Order: diya, tilak, akshat, rakhi, aarti, sweet, gift.
- The mantra: Yena baddho Bali raja... (full text and meaning below).
Step by step
- The brother sits facing east if possible, often with his head covered by a handkerchief or cap.
- The sister lights a diya on the thali.
- She applies a tilak of roli or kumkum on his forehead and presses a few grains of akshat (rice) on it.
- She ties the rakhi on his right wrist with three knots, reciting the mantra if the family does.
- She circles the thali in a short aarti.
- She feeds him a sweet, and he feeds her one.
- He gives his gift and his promise.
The mantra
Yena baddho Bali raja danavendro mahabalah, tena tvam pratibadhnami rakshe ma chala ma chala.
In plain English: "With the same thread that bound Bali, the mighty king of the demons, I bind you. O thread of protection, hold firm, do not waver."
The mantra refers to the story of Lakshmi tying a rakhi on King Bali, which we tell in the stories behind Raksha Bandhan. Many families recite it, many do not. Neither is wrong.
When to tie it in 2027
The rakhi window on 17 August 2027 runs from sunrise until about 12:58 PM IST, when Purnima ends. Details are in our date and muhurat guide.
Tying it on a video call
If your brother is abroad, he can tie the rakhi himself while you do the tilak and aarti on camera, or a family member near him can tie it. See how families celebrate across time zones.
Frequently asked questions
Most families tie it on the brother's right wrist.
Three knots is the most common practice. Some families follow their own custom.
Yena baddho Bali raja danavendro mahabalah, tena tvam pratibadhnami rakshe ma chala ma chala. It recalls the thread with which King Bali was bound and asks the thread to hold firm.
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From our family shops in Jaipur. Prices were checked when we picked them; the shop page always shows today's price.
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