Radha Ashtami

About

Radha Ashtami celebrates the birth of Radha, the beloved of Krishna and the personification of pure devotion. It falls on Bhadrapada Shukla Ashtami, the eighth day of the bright half of Bhadrapada, which comes about a fortnight after Krishna Janmashtami. In the Amanta calendar the month is also called Bhadrapada, so the name is the same in both systems; the date is the same too.

The festival is especially important in Vaishnava traditions, in Braj (Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana) and for devotees of Radha-Krishna worldwide. Barsana is regarded as Radha's home town, and Rawal is described as her birthplace.

Significance and stories

Traditional accounts say that Radha appeared in Rawal near Gokul as the daughter of Vrishabhanu and Kirti. One story says that she was found by her father on a lotus in a pond. Another says she did not open her eyes until Krishna appeared before her. These are devotional accounts, and different sources tell them differently.

Radha is seen as the supreme example of love and surrender. Many Vaishnava teachers say that devotion to Krishna is reached through Radha. The festival is a day to reflect on selfless love and the closeness between the devotee and the divine. It is observed with songs, readings of the Radha stories and offerings.

How to observe (puja vidhi)

1. Rise early, bathe and wear clean clothes.
2. Clean the shrine and place a picture or murti (idol) of Radha and Krishna on a decorated seat.
3. Take a sankalpa (intention) to observe the vrat with devotion.
4. Bathe the deities with water and panchamrit, if your tradition includes this, then dress them in fresh clothes.
5. Offer flowers, tulsi leaves, sandalwood, incense and a lamp.
6. Chant "राधे राधे" or sing a hymn such as the Radha Chalisa. Ask a priest or elder to guide pronunciation.
7. Read or listen to the story of Radha's appearance.
8. Perform aarti and offer prasad such as kheer, fruit, sweets and butter.
9. Distribute the prasad among family and visitors.

Puja items (samagri)

• Picture or idol of Radha-Krishna
• Panchamrit (milk, curd, honey, ghee, sugar)
• Fresh flowers, tulsi leaves, garlands
• New clothes and ornaments for the deities
• Sandalwood, kumkum, rice
• Incense, ghee lamp, camphor
• Fruits, sweets, kheer or makhan-mishri

Fasting and food

Many devotees fast through the day and break the fast after the puja in the afternoon or evening. The fast is often fruit-based or satvik. Some observe a half-day fast. People with health conditions, pregnant or nursing women, children and the elderly should follow their doctor's advice and may keep a lighter fast. Avoid onion, garlic and non-vegetarian food. Prasad is simple: fruit, milk sweets and kheer.

Regional customs

At Barsana, the Radha Rani temple stands on a hill and the whole town celebrates with songs, dance and processions. At Vrindavan and Mathura, temples are adorned and holy hymns are sung. In Gujarat and Rajasthan, Pushtimarg devotees offer special seva. In Bengal and Odisha, Gaudiya Vaishnavas observe it with kirtan. Customs vary; follow your own tradition.

Celebrating in the USA

ISKCON and other Vaishnava communities often host Radha Ashtami programmes with kirtan and a feast, usually in the evening. At home, you can set up a small altar with a picture of Radha-Krishna, offer flowers and sing together. The festival may fall near Ganesh Chaturthi and Hartalika Teej, so families often keep a busy week. If the day falls on a workday, do the puja in the evening. Fresh flowers and tulsi can be bought in many Indian stores; a few flowers from the garden are fine too.