Radha Ashtami Puja, also known as Radhashtam, is a special and auspicious day commemorating the birth anniversary of the Goddess Radha, the consort of Lord Krishna. Radha Ashtami falls on Ashtami Tithi during Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapada month, which corresponds to the month of August or September in the Gregorian calendar. This year, Radha Ashtami 2023 will be celebrated on Saturday, September 23. On the day of Radha Ashtami, devotees keep a day-long fast and worship Goddess Radha during Madhyahna Kala, which is noon according to the Hindu division of the day. This year, the Madhyahna Time to worship Goddess Radha is from 11:10 AM to 01:36 PM on September 23. As Radha Ashtami Puja 2023 approaches, here’s all you need to know about Radha Ashtami Puja 2023 Date, Puja Vidhi, and the significance of the auspicious day. Krishna Janmashtami 2023 Date, Time & Shubh Muhurat: Know Puja Vidhi As We Celebrate the Birth of Lord Krishna.

Radha Ashtami Puja 2023 Date and Timings

  • Radha Ashtami 2023 will be celebrated on Saturday, September 23.

  • The Ashtami Tithi will begin at 01:35 PM on September 22 and will end at 12:17 PM on September 23.

Radha Ashtami Puja Vidhi

  • Followers of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, including ISKCON devotees and other devotees of goddess Radha, observe the Radha Ashtami Vrat. In ISKCON temples, mahabhishek, a bathing ritual of Radharani, is done on this day.

  • On Radhashtami, Radha Krishna idols are traditionally dressed entirely in flowers. Notably, Radhashtami is the only day on which devotees may receive darshan of Radha's feet as on all other days, they remain covered.

  • On the day of Radha Ashtami, devotees wake up early in the morning and take a bath and then begin the puja rituals.

  • At homes and temples, the idol of goddess Radha is bathed with Panchamitra - a combination of five different food mixes of milk, ghee, honey, sugar and yogurt and then she is dressed in new attire and offered bhog (food).

  • On this day, devotees sing devotional songs in praise of the divine couple Radha Krishna.

  • After the puja and aarti, devotees can break the fast and offer prasad to all family members, friends and neighbours.

Radha Ashtami Significance

Radha Ashtami is an important and auspicious day for devotees of Goddess Radhas. Radha Ashtami, also known as Radhashtami or Radha Jayanti, falls fifteen days after Krishna Janmashtami. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm in her birthplace, Barsana and the entire Braj region on the eighth day (ashtami) of the bright (waxing) half of the lunar month of Bhadrapada. Radha Kaise NA Jale to Maiyya Yashoda, 5 Songs About the Woman Who Loved Krishna Eternally.

In Vaishnavism, Radha is worshipped for her unconditional love and unwavering devotion to Krishna. The Radha Ashtami festival suggests that the goddess Radha is a significant aspect of the cultural-religious faith system, governing the social life of people.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 22, 2023 04:07 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).