Radha Ashtami: History, Significance, and How to Worship
In India, Radha Ashtami or Radha Jayanta is observed to commemorate Shri Radha’s birth. It is celebrated on the eighth day of Shukla Paksha in the Hindu calendar’s Bhadrapada month. The day falls on September 4 this year. On the fourth day of Ganesh Chaturthi, 15 days after Lord Krishna’s birthday, Janmashtami is Radha Ashtami. The fast on Radha Ashtami is thought to be essential to the Janmashtami celebration.
As a result, Radha Ashtami must also be celebrated, just like Janmashtami. Large-scale celebrations of the day take place in cities like Barsana, Vrindavan, and Mathura. On this day, Shri Radha devotees carry out a particular pooja.
The Radha Ashtami tithi will begin on September 3 at 12.25 PM and conclude on September 4 at 10.40 AM. So, on September 4, those who wish to observe fast may do so. The ideal time to perform the puja for Radha Jayanti is on September 4 between 4.36 and 5.02 am.
History
According to Hindu ideology, Shri Radha is a manifestation of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Vishnu’s wife. To honour the Goddess Laxmi’s appearance in Barsana, the day is observed. Radha was Vrashabhanu and Kriti’s adopted daughter who was born in Barsana, close to Mathura.
What to do during the Puja?
Take a bath in the morning and dress in fresh, clean clothes for work.
Clean the temple and place Shri Radha’s statue or image there.
With Panchamrit and Gangajal, clean the idol.
Put sandalwood and Kumkum on the idol or image.
Give Radharani flowers and fruits.
Turn on a lamp
Say aarti with your family.
