Radha Ashtami 2023: Date, Vrat and Puja
Shri Radha Ashtami, or Radhashtami is one of the major Hindu festivals dedicated to the consort of Shri Krishna, Radha. The festival is more popular among devotees of Shri Krishna, though Hindus across the country observe the day with enthusiasm. Radha Ashtami marks the appearance day of Radha Rani, the Queen of Vrindavan, which falls on the eighth day of the Shukla Paksha (Ashtami on the waxing phase of the Moon) in the month of Bhadrapada (August-September).
It is believed that Radha Rani appeared on earth after a Yajna conducted by people. On Bhadrapad Shukla Paksha Ashtami in Vrishabha Nupuri, King Vrishabha Bhanu and his wife Kirtida found Radha and adopted her as their daughter. The couple were childless and kept praying to God for a child.
When is Radha Ashtami 2023?
Radha Ashtami 2023 date is on September 23. It is also the day that celebrates the divine love and relationship between Radha and Krishna.
Radhashtami 2023 Vrat and Puja Vidhi Time and Date
- Radha Ashtami on Saturday, September 23, 2023
- Madhyahna Time – 11:01 AM to 01:26 PM
- Duration – 02 Hours 25 Mins
- Ashtami Tithi Begins – 01:35 PM on Sep 22, 2023
- Ashtami Tithi Ends – 12:17 PM on Sep 23, 2023
For more insights on Radha Ashtami, you can consult our astrologers and pandits here.
Radha Ashtami 2023 Vrat
On this day, especially Vaishnava Panth followers observe a whole day fast and offer puja to both Radha Rani and Shri Krishna. People have darshan of the holy feet of Radha Rani on the day. It is said, that nobody in this world can describe the beauty of the feet of Radha. However, it is kept hidden all the days of the year except the Radhashtami day, when people can have darshan of her feet.
How to fast or observe Vrat during Radha Ashtami?
Puja, vrat and vidhis may differ from place to place and person to person. Here are some commonly observed Radhashtami vrat and puja Vidhi.
- Start the day with a positive frame of mind
- Take an early morning bath and purify yourself
- Install the Radharani idol in your puja room and worship the idol at 12 PM noon
- You can also perform Abhishek before installing the idol
- Take Sankalp and mention the reason for your fast (if you have any wish that you want to be fulfilled)
- Recite the Radha Ashtami vrat katha, Radha Stuti and Radha Chalisa
- You can also chant bhajans of Radha Krishna or read the Harivamsa, which has stories of Radha and Krishna.
- Offer Bhog to the Goddess and light diya
- Perform aarti in the evening and sing devotional songs
- After the puja is over, you can take puja prasad (depending on your fasting rules)
- The next day, you can feed the needy or Brahmin or married women
- Later break the fast by having prasad (or break it as per your rituals)
Many devotees observe a full-day nirjala (waterless) fast and they break their fast only the next day after feeding the needy. Some devotees do not take grains, lentils, regular vegetables and salt, but rather consume only fruits and milk. The next day they break the fast and eat normal food. Fasting food should not contain onion or garlic.
In all Hindu households, Sattvic food is prepared. People avoid onion and garlic on this day.
On this holy day of Radha Ashtami, the idols of both Radha Rani and Shri Krishna are decorated elaborately with flowers. Devotees can take darshan of Radha Rani’s feet on this day as they are covered for the rest of the year. The festival is celebrated in a grand way in Brij, Barsana, Mathura and Vrindavan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do people worship Shri Krishna along with Radha Rani during Radhashtami?
A: It is believed both Shri Krishna and Radha Rani are incomplete without each other, hence they are worshipped together.
Q: What is the significance of Radhashtami?
A: On this day, Radha Rani, the consort of Shri Krishna appeared on the earth. Hindus across India celebrate this day enthusiastically. The festival is celebrated in a grand way in Brij, Barsana, Mathura and Vrindavan.
