Radha Ashtami is a holy festival that marks the birth anniversary of Shri Radha Rani who is one of the incarnations of Goddess Laxmi. Radha Ashtami is observed by Hindus with absolute devotion and adherence in various parts of the country and grand celebration takes place in Mathura, Vrindavan, and Banaras.

When is Radha Ashtami actually celebrated?

As per the Gregorian Calendar, Radha Ashtami 2020 is on the 26th of August month. According to the Hindu lunar calendar, Radha Ashtami is celebrated in the month of Bhadrapada on the eighth day of Shukla Paksha which is considered auspicious as this period is favourable for growth

Radha Ashtami Significance

According to Padma Purana, Goddess Laxmi has taken birth on earth in the form of Radha who was found by a king named Vrishbhanu when he was cleaning a floor to organize Yagya. King Vrishabhanu and his wife Kirti accepted her as their daughter and took care of her. Radha became a very close friend of Krishna and she got married to Rapan. The auspicious day of Radha Ashtami is dedicated to the altruistic connection of affection towards each other which symbolizes the rare friendship between God and Human.

What to do on Radha Ashtami

Devotees should wake up before sunrise and should take a bath. Observing fast on this auspicious occasion is considered as very significant as it brings devotees the best reward. The Idols of Radha and God Krisha should be bathed and Panchamrut Abhishek should be done to the idols of Radha and God Krishna. Adorn the idols with intricately designed clothes, jewellery and flowers. Offer a dhoop and bhog to Radha to please her. Devotees should recite the name of Radha Rani and chant the holy Radha Gayatri Mantra to seek blessings from Radha.

Benefits of Radha Ashtami

Radha is considered as an individual soul and Lord Krishna is a universal soul who endures with each other and is honoured as Radhakrishna. Observing the joyous occasion of Radha Ashtami will bestow devotees the following benefits:

• you will be blessed with a prosperous life.
• Performing the rituals of Radha Ashtami will give you relief from all the obstacles of life.
• Devotees will be able to fulfil all the desires and salvations of life.
• You will be freed from all the sins of life.
• All the negative thoughts will be removed from the devotee’s mind and a devotee’s life will be blessed with a blissful life.