Radha Ashtami is a Hindu festival which celebrates the birth of Shri Radha Rani. Radha Rani was revered as the consort of Lord Krishna and as per Hindu beliefs, she is the incarnation of avatar of Goddess Lakshmi.
The auspicious eve of Radha Asthami as per the Hindu calendar is celebrated in the month of Bhadrapada on the eighth days of the Shukla Paksha which is the Ashtami Tithi. Radha Ashtami falls 15 days after the festival of Janmasthami.
Radha Ashtami is also popular name as Radha Jayanti. On this particular day, the devotees worship Radharani with much enthusiasm and devotion.
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Celebration of Radha Ashtami
Especially in North India, in all the temples of Lord Krishna, special prayers are offered on the eve of Radha Ashtami. The festival is observed with grand celebrations in ISKCON temples as well as all over the country. Mainly the festival is celebrated in Vrindavan, Mathura and in Barsana which is the birthplace of Radha Rani.
Rituals performed on Radha Ashtami
On the eve of Radha Ashtami, devotees worship Radharani. People who want to seek blessings of Goddess Lakshmi also observe a fast for the day. During the noontime, the idol of Radha is placed after giving a holy bath and then decorated with flowers and new clothes. Bhog, dhoop, and shringar are offered to Radharani. Devotees perform Radha aarti and distribute prasad to all the devotees. On the festival of Radha Ashtami, chanting of Radha Gayatri Mantra is much popular.
