Radha Ashtami

Radha Ashtami, also known as Radhashtami, is a Hindu festival celebrated to commemorate the birth of Radha, the divine consort of Lord Krishna. It typically falls on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the bright half of the Bhadrapada month in the Hindu calendar, which usually corresponds to August or September in the Gregorian calendar.

Here is a short description of the Radha Ashtami puja:

Date and Timing: Radha Ashtami is observed on the eighth day of the waxing moon in the month of Bhadrapada. Devotees often wake up early in the morning and take a holy bath.

Fasting: Many devotees observe a day-long fast on Radha Ashtami, refraining from consuming grains and certain other foods. Some may choose to consume only fruits and dairy products during the fasting period.

Recitation: Devotees often read and recite passages from scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita, Bhagavata Purana, and other texts that narrate the stories and glories of Radha and Krishna.

Visiting Temples: Many people visit temples dedicated to Radha and Krishna, particularly the Vrindavan and Mathura region, where Radha and Krishna’s divine love is believed to have blossomed.

Satsang: Some devotees attend Satsang, spiritual gatherings, or lectures focusing on the teachings and significance of Radha and Krishna’s love.

Radha Ashtami is a special day for devotees of Radha and Krishna to express their devotion and celebrate the divine love between the two. The specific customs and rituals may vary from one region to another and among different traditions within Hinduism, but the central theme is always the celebration of Radha’s birth and her relationship with Lord Krishna.