Radhashtami

Radha Ashtami Festival celebrates the Birth Anniversary of “Shri Radha Rani”, the consort of “Lord Krishna”. It is celebrated on the Ashtami (8th day) of the Shukla Paksha during the month of Bhadrapada according to the Hindu Calendar. It is also known as “Radha Jayanti” and Hindu Devotees worship Goddess Radha with utmost Devotion and Zeal. This day also honors the selfless bond of eternal love between Shri Krishna and Radha, a unique relationship between humans and god.

Radha Ashtami is celebrated 15 days after the “Janmashtami”, the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna. This Hindu festival is even grandeur in Mathura, Vrindavan, the birthplace of Lord Krishna. In Sanskrit word, Radha means “Prosperity”. She is also known as “Jagat Janani”, mother of the universe.

Significance of Radha Ashtami

Radhashtami' is a Hindu holy day commemorating the birth anniversary of Radha, the lover-consort of the god Krishna. Radhastami is celebrated by Krishna devotees as the appearance anniversary of Radharani, who is Krishna's greatest devotee, the feminine aspect of the absolute truth, and Krishna's energy personified. Radharani is considered as the greatest example of immortal love and true devotion. It is believed that observing the Radha Ashtami fast and worshiping goddess Durga can help to get rid of all the sins and hurdles of one’s life. The native gets to be free from all the negativity and will attain spiritual bliss.

History of Radha Ashtami

According to the traditions, when Lord Vishnu took ‘avatar’ like Krishna, Goddess Laxmi appeared as ‘Radharani’. This day marks the birth anniversary of Radharani. The legend says that Vrishbhanu was going by a riverside in ‘Barsana’ where he heard the crying of a baby. To his astonishment, a baby girl was floating in a lotus flower on the river. Since he and his wife Kamlavati did not have any child of their own, they adopted her happily and started taking care of her. Radha appeared on the earth exactly two weeks after Lord Krishna’s earth and did not open her majestic eyes till the time Krishna did not appear before him.

Sage ‘Narada’ told Vrishbhanu and his wife that Radha is the incarnation of Goddess Laxmi and they have been blessed. The love between Radha and Krishna is considered as the most pious and soulful love that has ever occurred between lovers. They are considered as one and thus Krishna combines in Radha. Those who worship Radha are said to be blessed with Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi’s blessings.

Radha Ashtami 2024 Date and Time

This festival is celebrated on Bhadrapad Shukla Ashtami falling during Aprahan (the muhurat in the afternoon). If this Ashtami falls or does not fall on two days in that situation it shall be celebrated on the second day. According to Indian Astrology, the date and time for Radha Ashtami are as follows-

Radha Ashtami 2024 date: 11th September 2024
Tithi begins at September 10, 11:12 PM
Tithi ends September 11, 11:47 PM

Importance of Radha Ashtami

According to Indian astrology, Radhaji is also known as Krishna Vallabh. Lord Krishna was very fond of Radhaji. People who listen to the story of Radha Ashtami get rid of all the problems and they get blessed and live a prosperous life. By chanting Radhaji’s mantra the individual can attain salvation. It is believed that Lord Krishna’s worship is incomplete without Radhaji’s worship. Radhaji is believed to be the controller of Lord Krishna’s life.

How to Celebrate Radha Ashtami

Some devotees observe this fast for full day & some even without water. On this day, devotees of Krishna ask Radha for her favor; in turn, acquire Krishna's grace. Radhashtami is ceremoniously celebrated in the Brij area. On Radhashtami day, a new outfit is offered to Radharani and the temple is lavishly decorated with flowers and garlands. On Radhastami, Radha Krishna icons are traditionally dressed entirely in flowers. Additionally, Radhashtami is the only day on which devotees may receive the darshan of Radha's feet. On all other days, they remain covered.

Goddess Radharani’s glories are narrated in the morning Bhagavatam class. A maha-abhisheka is performed at noon with a variety of ingredients and many colorful flowers. Devotees in the deity kitchen an elaborate Bhog with more than 100 varieties along with many sweet dishes, pastries, and cakes. After the abhisheka, Bhog is offered and maha-arati is performed. Devotees fast till noon and enjoy a transcendental feast in the afternoon. Cultural programs are presented in the evening to enchant the visitors and devotees. Devotees perform fast until noon and sing devotional songs in praise of the divine couple and their pastimes. Places like Vrindavan, Mathura, and Braj have equally grand celebrations like the one in Rawal.