Rakhi Purnima and Gamha Purnima, is one of the important festivals celebrated with great devotion across Odisha. The festival falls on the full moon day, Shravana Purnima, and carries deep religious and cultural significance.
Rakhi Purnima 2026 in Odisha
In 2026, Rakhi Purnima will be celebrated in Odisha on Friday, August 28.
The Shravana Purnima Tithi begins on August 27 at around 9:08 AM and ends on August 28 at around 9:48 AM. Since the full-moon tithi extends across two calendar days, there has been some confusion over whether Raksha Bandhan should be observed on August 27 or August 28.
According to traditional calculations followed for religious observances in Odisha, August 28 is considered the appropriate date for Raksha Bandhan in 2026.
Gamha Purnima and the Birthday of Lord Balabhadra
In Odisha, Shravana Purnima is also celebrated as Gamha Purnima, which holds special significance in the Jagannath tradition. The day is traditionally associated with the birthday of Lord Balabhadra, the elder brother of Lord Jagannath and elder sibling of Devi Subhadra.
The divine siblings—Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra—are at the heart of Odisha’s religious traditions. Devi Subhadra is traditionally depicted between her two brothers, Lord Balabhadra and Lord Jagannath, at the Sri Jagannath Temple in Puri.
Religious Significance of Rakhi Purnima
Raksha Bandhan is traditionally a celebration of the sacred bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters tie rakhi around their brothers’ wrists and pray for their happiness, prosperity and well-being. Brothers, in return, express their affection and promise to stand by their sisters.
In Odisha, the festival takes on an additional cultural and religious identity through Gamha Purnima and the worship of Lord Balabhadra.
A Festival of Faith, Family and Tradition
Rakhi Purnima in Odisha beautifully brings together family traditions, devotion and the rich cultural heritage of the state. From tying rakhis to observing religious rituals, devotees celebrate the occasion with joy and devotion.
With Lord Balabhadra’s birthday falling on the same auspicious full-moon day, Gamha Purnima becomes an especially significant occasion for devotees across Odisha.
Rakhi Purnima 2026 in Odisha is therefore not only a celebration of the brother-sister bond, but also a day deeply connected with the religious traditions surrounding Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra.
Jai Jagannath 🙏
Jai Balabhadra 🙏
