Radha Ashtami 2023- Festival Date, Vrat, Fasting Rules

Sri Radha Ashtami, or Radhashtami, the birthday of Radha, is a major festival celebrated by Lord Krishna devotees. It falls on the eighth day of the Shukla Paksha (Ashtami on waxing phase of moon) in the month of Bhadrapad (August-September).

Radha Ashtami is celebrated on Saturday, 23 September -2023

Ashtami Tithi Begins – 12:28 PM on Sep 23, 2023
Ashtami Tithi Ends – 10:39 AM on Sep 24, 2023

The day celebrates the relationship between Radha and Krishna – a unique relationship between god and human (world).

It is believed that Radha appeared on earth on Bhadrapad Shukla Paksha Ashtami in Vrishabhanupuri in the house of king Vrishabha Bhanu and his wife Keertida. Some books indicate that Keertida did not give birth to Radha but she appeared in a Yajna that was conducted by the couple.

People have darshan of the holy feet of Radha Rani on the day. It is said that no living being in this world can describe the beauty of the feet of Radha.

How to fast during Radha Ahtami Vrat?

· The puja and rituals are held at 12:00 PM noon.

· From morning people chant bhajans of Radha Krishna or read the Harivamsha which contains stories of Radha and Krishna.

· Puja is performed at noon.

· An abhishek is performed

· People then drink Charamrit.

Special prayers and pujas are held in Sri Krishna temples in North India on the day. Most important celebrations are at Mathura and Vrindavan and in ISKCON Temples around the world.