Radha Ashtami is the birth anniversary of Shri Radha Rani, who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Laxmi On this day, Radha Rani is worshipped with great enthusiasm and devotion. Special pujas and ceremonies are held around Shri Krishna temples. But the true essence of the festival can only be seen in Mathura, Vrindavan, and Barsana.
In this blog, we will discuss when Radha Ashtami will be celebrated in 2024 while learning about the significance and traditions associated with it.
When is Radha Ashtami in 2024? Date & Time
Radha Ashtami is celebrated on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Bhadrapada (August-September). It falls 15 days after Krishna Janmashtami which celebrates the birth of Shri Krishna.
This year, in 2024, Radha Ashtami will be celebrated on 11th September, Wednesday. The Ashtami tithi will start at 11:10 PM on 10th September 2024 and will end at 11:46 PM on 11th September 2024
Legend Associated with Radha Ashtami?
Radha Rani is said to be found rather than born.
According to Padma Purana, once King Vrishbhanu was cleaning the floor to organize yajna whereupon he found Radha Rani lying on a lotus leaf near a pond. He gently lifted her in his arms and took her home to his wife Keerti. His wife was delighted to see Radha as the couple has been childless for years. As the couple had been long yearning for a child, they both decided to adopt Radha as their daughter and decided to take care of her all their lives.
Padma Purana also says that before being incarnated as Lord Krishna, Lord Vishnu requested his family members to come to earth as incarnations. And this is when Goddess Laxmi incarnated as Radha Rani to remain close to Lord Vishnu.
Celebrations and Rituals on Radha Ashtami
The rituals of Radha Ashtami are colorful, joyful, and filled with spiritual spirits. Here are some rituals and traditions followed on the occasion of Radha Ashtami:
Early Morning Rituals
Devotees wake up early in the morning (certainly before sunrise). Some observe fast and offer prayers to both Radha Rani and Lord Krishna. Herein, the idols of Radha rani are bathed using gangajal whereafter the Abhishekam is performed using Panchamrit (a sacred mix made using honey, curd, ghee, milk, and gangajal. After this, the idol is adorned with new clothes, jewels, and flowers as a part of Radha Rani’s shringaar. Devotees perform the aarti and chant Radha Gayatri Mantra which goes like:
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ll Om Vrashbhanujaye Vidmahe Krishnapriyaye Dhimahi Tanno Radha Prachodayat ll ll ॐ वृषभानुज्यै विधमहे कृष्णप्रियायै धीमहि तन्नो राधा प्रचोदयात ll |
Special Pujas and Ceremonies
Temples dedicated to Radha and Krishna, especially in places like Vrindavan and Barsana which happens to be Radha’s birthplace, hold special pujas and bhajan ceremonies. The air is filled with the melodious sound of devotional songs and the sweet scent of incense, creating a divine aura that feels no less than bliss.
Fasting and Feasting
Many devotees observe a fast on Radha Ashtami, abstaining from grains and certain foods. But it’s not just about abstaining from food but about focusing the mind on the divine and keeping oneself away from negative thoughts and energy. The fast is broken with a special meal where different dishes are prepared for the occasion. These are often offered to Radha and Krishna as bhog and are shared among the devotees as Prashad.
Dance and Drama
In places like Vrindavan, dramatic acts of the past lives of Radha and Krishna, commonly known as 'Raas Leela,' are performed. These plays and dances bring to life the beautiful stories of their divine love, which is truly a delight to watch.
Conclusion
Radha Ashtami is more than just a festival; it's a celebration of the divine love and devotion that Radha had for Shri Krishna. It’s a reminder of the power of selfless love and the importance of the divine feminine. As we celebrate Radha Ashtami, let’s cherish the eternal couple and their virtues.
