In 2025, Radha Ashtami was observed on August 31 (in the Vaishnav tradition). Each year, the date falls on the 8th day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada.
Festival Significance: Radha Ashtami marks the birth anniversary of Goddess Radha, the eternal consort of Lord Krishna and a central figure in Hindu devotion, especially within the Vaishnavism tradition. It is celebrated on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Bhadrapada (August/September), falling fifteen days after Janmashtam
Story behind Radha Ashtami or Radha Ashtami Vrat Katha
Once, King Vrishabhanu went to bathe in the river Yamuna. The surroundings were peaceful, a fragrant breeze was flowing slowly, and amidst the sweet sound of birds, the king saw a divine sight.
Not far from him, on the Yamuna’s waters, floated a golden lotus flower. He had never seen such a lotus before, nor heard of it. Filled with curiosity, he went closer.
There, in the middle of the lotus petals, lay a most beautiful and delicate girl child. Her complexion shone like molten gold, and her eyes resembled lotus petals. Seeing her, King Vrishabhanu was filled with fatherly affection. He lifted the child in his arms and looked around—there was no one. He wondered who could have left this newborn baby.
At that moment, Lord Brahma appeared and said:
“O child, you and your wife have performed intense penance for many years so that you may receive the eternal consort of Lord Hari as your daughter. Today, your wish has been fulfilled. This girl is none other than the inner energy of the Lord, the manifestation of Mother Lakshmi herself. Take her home, and raise her with love, care, and devotion.”
Saying this, Brahma disappeared. King Vrishabhanu’s joy knew no bounds. He brought the girl home with great happiness and narrated the entire incident to his wife, Kirti Devi. She too was overjoyed on seeing the divine child.
As time passed, Radhika Rani’s beauty grew like the rising moon, enchanting everyone who saw her. King Vrishabhanu and Kirti Devi cared for her with great love.
But after some time, they faced a problem. The little girl neither cried, nor opened her eyes, and seemed unable to hear. Seeing this, both parents grew very worried.
To solve this, Narada Muni arrived. He advised King Vrishabhanu:
“Organize a grand celebration for your daughter’s birth, and be sure to invite your close friend Nanda Maharaj with his family.”
The preparations for the celebration began, and Nanda Maharaj was specially invited. Accepting the invitation, Nanda Maharaj, Yashoda Maiya, and little Krishna came to Barsana.
Baby Krishna already knew what He had to do. As soon as they arrived, Krishna, with the jingling of his anklets, went straight to where Radha Rani lay in her cradle.
The moment Krishna looked at her, Radha Rani sensed His divine fragrance. She immediately realized that her beloved Krishna had come. Overjoyed, she opened her eyes for the first time and saw Lord Krishna. A moment later, she began to cry.
Witnessing their daughter open her eyes and cry for the first time, Kirti Devi and King Vrishabhanu were overwhelmed with joy. Their happiness doubled on this auspicious day.
Friends, just as Lord Krishna is the life force, Radha Rani is the soul.
How to Celebrate Radha Ashtami
Now let us learn when and how to observe this sacred festival.
- When is Radha Ashtami?
Each year, the date falls on the 8th day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. - How long should one fast?
Some believe the fast may be broken after noon, once the Abhishek is done. But according to Vaishnava tradition, Radha Ashtami fast is observed just like Janmashtami or Ekadashi—for the full day, breaking only the next morning.
At noon, perform Abhishek of Radha–Krishna in your home with Panchamrit, but break the fast only the next day after Parayan.
- What offerings (bhog) please Radharani?
Everyone knows that on Janmashtami, butter and sugar (makhan–mishri) are offered to Krishna. On Radha Ashtami, prepare delicious dishes for Radharani. Scriptures mention that she is very fond of:
- Arbi (colocasia) sabzi
- Kadhi
You may also prepare 56 bhog or any heartfelt offerings, as Radha Rani herself was a divine cook who never repeated a dish for Krishna.
- Arbi (colocasia) sabzi
- What dress should be worn?
On Janmashtami, devotees wear yellow like Krishna. On Radha Ashtami, the blue color holds special significance, as Radharani is associated with nilam (blue sapphire). You may offer blue clothes to her and wear blue yourself. - The most important offering – Kirtan
Above all, the dearest gift for Radharani is Hari Naam Sankirtan. On this day, gather with your family for chanting the holy names:
- “Radhe Radhe”
- “Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare”
- “Radhe Radhe”
This sankirtan, offered with devotion, is the true gift at her lotus feet.
The Fruit of Radha Ashtami Vrat
The scriptures declare that observing Radha Ashtami fast gives the result of performing many Ekadashis together. Most importantly, it invokes Radharani’s mercy, through which one receives pure devotion (prem bhakti) to Krishna.
Our Prayer
On this holy Radha Ashtami, let us bow our heads and pray:
“O Shrimati Radharani, please bless us with pure love and service to Sri Krishna. May we always keep your lotus feet in our hearts.”
Jai Jai Shri Radhe! Hare Krishna!
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