Raksha Bandhan 2026: Who Should You Tie Rakhi to First Before Tying It to Your Brother? Know the Ritual
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated as a symbol of love, protection and the special bond between brothers and sisters. While the main ritual involves a sister tying a rakhi on her brothers wrist, Hindu traditions also associate the festival with seeking divine blessings before beginning the ceremony. According to popular religious beliefs, the rakhi ritual should begin by offering a raksha sutra, or sacred thread, to Lord Ganesha. After that, devotees may offer rakhi to Laddu Gopal and other deities worshipped in the home temple. Once the gods have been offered the sacred thread, the sister can proceed with tying rakhi to her brother. Begin the Ritual by Offering Rakhi to Lord Ganesha After taking a bath and wearing clean clothes, devotees can prepare the puja area and worship Lord Ganesha. Offerings such as roli, akshat, flowers and sweets can be presented during the pooja. A rakhi or raksha sutra is then offered to Lord Ganesha. Since he is regarded as the first deity to be worshipped before the start of any auspicious occasion, many families consider it auspicious to begin the Raksha Bandhan ritual by seeking his blessings. Offer Rakhi to Laddu Gopal and Other Deities After Lord Ganesha, offer a rakhi to Laddu Gopal, a beloved form of Lord Krishna. During the ritual, offer prayers for peace, happiness, prosperity and the well-being of the family. If the home temple contains idols or images of other gods and goddesses, a sacred thread may also be offered to them. Tie Rakhi to Your Brother After Completing the Puja Once the raksha sutra has been offered to the deities, the sister can perform the traditional rakhi ceremony for her brother. The brother is traditionally seated for the ritual, following which the sister applies a tilak on his forehead. She then offers akshat, performs an aarti and ties the rakhi around his wrist. The ceremony is completed by offering sweets. While tying the rakhi, the sister prays for her brothers good health, happiness, prosperity and long life. The brother, in turn, traditionally promises to stand by and protect his sister. Why Is This Ritual Order Considered Auspicious? Raksha Bandhan is more than just the act of tying a thread. The festival represents prayers for protection, well-being and the strength of family bonds. The tradition of first offering a raksha sutra to the deities is based on the belief that every auspicious occasion should begin by seeking divine blessings. By worshipping the gods first and then tying rakhi to the brother, devotees symbolically seek blessings for the happiness, safety and prosperity of the entire family. ALSO READ: Raksha Bandhan 2026: Will Bhadra Affect Rakhi? Know the Correct Date and Best Muhurat Disclaimer: The content provided here is based on beliefs and information only. Always consult a concerned expert.