Bhubaneswar, August 21: A date discrepancy over Rakhi Purnima, also known as Gamha Purnima, has created confusion among devotees in Odisha this year. While the general public in Odisha is expected to observe Rakhi Purnima on Thursday, August 27, the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri will perform the corresponding rituals on Friday, August 28, according to the temple's ritual schedule and clarification cited by senior Panjikar Harishankar Mishra.

The confusion stems from the timing of the Purnima Tithi, which begins at around 9:08 AM on August 27 and ends at about 9:48 AM on August 28. Different religious calendars follow different principles for determining festival observances, particularly when a tithi spans two dates.

Why is Rakhi Purnima observed on two different dates?

For the general public, the prevailing Purnima tithi and traditional local calculations place Rakhi Purnima on August 27 in Odisha. Odisha calendar references also list Sri Balabhadra Jayanti, Raksha Bandhan and Gamha Purnima on August 27.

However, Srimandir follows its own established ritual calendar, with several major ceremonies determined according to the temple's traditional system and the tithi prevailing at sunrise.

As a result, devotees may see the public festival and the temple rituals falling on different dates this year.

What will happen at Puri Srimandir on August 28?

According to the temple's ritual schedule, Balabhadra Janma, the Rakhi Lagi ritual and Chari Ashram Bije of Lord Sudarshan will be conducted at Srimandir on August 28.

Gamha Purnima has special significance in Odisha because it is traditionally associated with the birth anniversary of Lord Balabhadra, the elder brother of Lord Jagannath and Devi Subhadra.

Therefore, while families may celebrate Rakhi Purnima on August 27, the sacred rituals connected with Lord Balabhadra at Srimandir will take place the following day.

What does the Purnima Tithi say?

The Purnima Tithi begins at approximately 9:08 AM on August 27 and continues until around 9:48 AM on August 28. This overlap is the primary reason behind the unusual two-date observance.

For comparison, several broader Panchang references outside Odisha place Raksha Bandhan 2026 on August 28, as the Purnima continues through the morning of that day and the traditional Rakhi ceremony window falls after sunrise.

This demonstrates why festival dates can differ according to regional traditions, Panchang calculations and temple-specific ritual practices.

Why is Gamha Purnima important in Odisha?

Gamha Purnima is deeply connected with Odisha's Jagannath culture and is traditionally celebrated as Balabhadra Jayanti.

Rakhi is also an important part of the observance, symbolising the bond of affection and protection between siblings. In Odisha's religious tradition, however, the festival carries an additional connection with Lord Balabhadra and the rituals of Srimandir.

Should devotees be confused?

Senior Panjikar Harishankar Mishra has clarified that devotees do not need to remain confused over the two dates.

For the general public in Odisha, Rakhi Purnima is to be observed on August 27, while the specific Gamha Purnima and Balabhadra-related rituals at Srimandir will be conducted on August 28.

Rakhi Purnima 2026: Important Dates at a Glance

August 27: Rakhi Purnima/Gamha Purnima for general public observance in Odisha

August 28: Balabhadra Janma and Rakhi Lagi rituals at Puri Srimandir

Purnima Tithi begins: Around 9:08 AM, August 27

Purnima Tithi ends: Around 9:48 AM, August 28

So, why the two dates? The answer lies in the difference between public festival calculation and Srimandir's traditional ritual calendar. For devotees in Odisha, the key message is simple: celebrate Rakhi on August 27, while the corresponding special rituals at Puri Srimandir will be observed on August 28.