No matter how far away you are from home, some traditions follow you with warmth. Raksha Bandhan is one such festival that continues to bind siblings across oceans and cultures. Even in the heart of the UAE, where skyscrapers tower and the desert sun blazes, the spirit of Rakhi breathes gently in Indian homes—reminding everyone of the unshakable bond between brothers and sisters.
As the world prepares for another beautiful Raksha Bandhan, many are wondering: when is the best time to tie the sacred thread in 2025? What is the shubh muhurat? And how do families in the UAE keep this tradition alive so far from India?
Let’s explore the celebration of Raksha Bandhan in the UAE in 2025, the auspicious timing, rituals, and how Indian families are planning to make this day unforgettable.
The Significance of Raksha Bandhan: More Than Just a Thread
At its core, Raksha Bandhan is not just a festival—it’s a feeling. A sister’s prayer for her brother’s protection. A brother’s promise to always stand by his sister. It’s laughter, teasing, nostalgia, and the quiet strength of sibling love.
Traditionally, a sister ties a rakhi—a decorative thread—around her brother’s wrist and applies a tilak on his forehead. In return, the brother gives her a gift and vows to protect her through all seasons of life.
But beyond the rituals lies something timeless: a moment of connection. Whether siblings live in the same house or on different continents, Raksha Bandhan bridges the distance with affection.
Raksha Bandhan in the UAE: Keeping Traditions Alive Abroad
Living in the UAE often means juggling modern lifestyles with deep-rooted cultural traditions. Indian expats have made remarkable efforts to preserve their heritage, and Raksha Bandhan is no exception.
From Dubai to Abu Dhabi, Sharjah to Al Ain, families prepare weeks in advance. Rakhis are ordered online, couriered from India, or bought from Indian stores in Meena Bazaar, Karama, or Bur Dubai. Mithai shops buzz with activity, and temples host special poojas and community events.
Even siblings separated by cities or time zones connect through video calls. Sisters tie virtual rakhis, and brothers send heartfelt gifts via express delivery. Technology may replace the physical thread, but the emotion remains just as strong.
When is Raksha Bandhan in 2025?
Raksha Bandhan is observed on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravan, also known as Shravan Purnima. In 2025, this beautiful festival will be celebrated across the UAE in line with the lunar calendar, just as it is in India.
Since UAE follows the Gulf Standard Time (GST), the date and time may slightly differ from those observed in India. However, most Indian families in the UAE rely on Hindu Panchang calendars to determine the perfect moment to begin the Rakhi ceremony.
The Shubh Muhurat to Tie Rakhi in UAE
Timing matters. In Hindu tradition, performing rituals during the shubh muhurat ensures that blessings are multiplied. Raksha Bandhan is no different.
The most auspicious time to tie rakhi is during Raksha Bandhan Purnima Tithi, ideally during Aparahna—the late afternoon according to Vedic astrology.
Sisters in the UAE often plan their rakhi tying ceremony based on local Panchang references. Most temples and Indian cultural centres release detailed calendars with exact muhurat times to help families celebrate at the right moment.
Avoiding Bhadra—an inauspicious period that often overlaps with the beginning of Purnima—is also essential. Rakhis are never tied during this phase.
For those with busy schedules or siblings living abroad, the ritual is sometimes adjusted slightly. But the belief is clear—if the thread is tied with love, blessings will follow no matter what.
Rituals Followed by Indian Families in the UAE
While the setting might change from a traditional Indian home to a modern apartment in Dubai or Sharjah, the essence of Raksha Bandhan rituals remains untouched.
Here’s a glimpse of how Indian families in the UAE celebrate:
- Pooja Preparation: A thali (plate) is decorated with rakhis, sweets, roli (kumkum), rice, a diya (lamp), and sometimes small gifts. Many women add elements like sandalwood paste or flowers to keep the ritual holistic.
- Tilak and Rakhi: The sister applies tilak to her brother’s forehead, performs aarti, and ties the rakhi on his wrist. The brother touches her feet as a mark of respect and gives her a gift or money in return.
- Prayers and Blessings: Both offer prayers for each other’s well-being. Some families also read Raksha Bandhan stories from scriptures or narrate tales of legendary siblings like Krishna and Draupadi.
- Feast and Family Time: No festival is complete without food. Indian kitchens in UAE come alive with smells of kheer, puri, chole, and sweets like barfi and gulab jamun. Many families also host small gatherings or community lunches.
Gifts That Go Beyond Material
Brothers and sisters often exchange thoughtful gifts on this day. But beyond gold chains or designer handbags, the real gift is presence and intention.
In recent years, UAE-based families have started focusing on meaningful gifting—personalised photo frames, hand-written letters, or shared experiences like sibling spa days or desert safaris.
Some brothers even donate to charities in their sister’s name, adding a layer of compassion to the festival.
Celebrating Raksha Bandhan Virtually: When Miles Can’t Divide
Not every sibling has the privilege of being together on Raksha Bandhan. With many Indian professionals working in different emirates or abroad, virtual celebrations have become increasingly common.
Video calls replace physical visits. Rakhi delivery platforms help sisters send sacred threads from one corner of the world to another. And heartfelt voice notes take the place of long hugs.
What matters most is showing up in whatever way you can. Raksha Bandhan is not about perfection—it’s about presence.
How the Younger Generation in UAE Is Redefining the Festival
For younger Indians born and raised in the UAE, Raksha Bandhan is a chance to reconnect with their roots.
While some may not speak fluent Hindi or Tamil, and others may never have lived in India, they wear traditional outfits, follow the rituals with pride, and even educate their non-Indian friends about the festival.
Social media platforms are flooded with sibling reels, creative rakhi tying challenges, and nostalgic throwbacks. The new generation is keeping the spirit alive in their own unique ways.
Many also tie rakhis to cousins, friends, and even coworkers—breaking the old idea that it’s only about blood relations. For them, Raksha Bandhan is about celebrating any bond built on trust, respect, and care.
Temples and Community Events in the UAE
Raksha Bandhan is not just celebrated at home. Across the UAE, temples like the Shiva Temple in Bur Dubai, and cultural associations often host special poojas, community gatherings, and cultural performances.
These events bring together Indian families who may not have relatives nearby but still wish to feel connected. It becomes a shared celebration of faith and family.
Some Indian schools in the UAE also hold Rakhi making competitions and story-telling sessions to educate children about the festival’s origins.
A Moment to Pause and Reflect
In the hustle of life, Raksha Bandhan gives siblings a chance to slow down and cherish each other. Whether it’s a simple phone call or an elaborate celebration, this day is a gentle reminder of everything that matters.
In a place like the UAE—where cultures blend, and time often rushes by—Raksha Bandhan anchors Indian families to their emotional roots. It reminds them that love knows no borders, and traditions can flourish even in foreign lands.
So, as the sun rises over the golden dunes of Dubai or the calm coastlines of Abu Dhabi this Raksha Bandhan, take a moment to celebrate your sibling. Whether near or far, the bond is forever.
Do follow UAE Stories on Instagram
UAE Delivers Advanced Air Defense Systems to Sudan’s Rebel Forces
