Radha Ashtami, also called Radha Jayanti, is among the most important and auspicious Hindu festivals celebrated with great devotion across India. It marks the birth of Radha Rani, who was believed to be born on the eighth day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Bhadrapada, usually falling in August or September. This festival brings together devotees to honour Radha's love and devotion and seek blessings for a harmonious relationship.
Radha Ashtami 2024: Date and Timing
In 2024, Radha Ashtami will be observed on Wednesday, September 11. This festival falls 15 days after Krishna Janmashtami, during the Ashtami (eighth day) of the bright half of the Bhadrapada month in the Hindu calendar.
Auspicious Timing for Radha Ashtami
The best time for Radha Ashtami puja is during the Ashtami tithi, especially around midday (Madhyana). Devotees wake up early, take a holy bath, and then start their worship.
Radha Ashtami 2024: Date, Time, and Muhurat
In 2024, the Ashtami Tithi for Radha Ashtami begins on Tuesday, September 10, at 11:11 PM and ends on Wednesday, September 11, at 11:46 PM. The ideal time for Madhyana Radha Ashtami Puja is from 11:03 AM to 01:32 PM, lasting for 2 hours and 29 minutes.
History of Radha Ashtami
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To understand Radha Ashtami, it's important to know Radha's role in Hindu mythology. Radha is considered Lord Krishna's divine consort, and her love for Krishna represents the highest form of devotion. Radha Ashtami, or Radha Jayanti, celebrates her birth and symbolises pure love and devotion. Devotees fast, visit temples, sing devotional songs, and reenact Radha and KrishnaĄ¯s divine love story, especially in Mathura and Vrindavan, where their life events took place.
About Radha Rani
Radha Rani is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Laxmi. Over 5,000 years ago, she descended in Barsana village, Mathura, and was lovingly adopted by Vrishbhanu and Kirti. Radha Ashtami and Radha Jayanti are celebrated with great enthusiasm, particularly in northern India, with elaborate festivities and devotion.
Significance of Radha Ashtami
Radha Ashtami is significant in Indian culture as it marks Radha's birth, who is revered as the embodiment of divine love. Celebrated on the eighth day of the Bhadrapada month, it highlights the values of pure love and devotion. Devotees fast, sing songs and visit temples to seek blessings from Radha and Krishna. This festival reminds people to cultivate selfless love and devotion.
Radha Ashtami 2024: Rituals and Traditions
- Devotees rise early during the Brahm Muhurat, perform a cleansing ritual, and begin their worship.
- Idols of Radha and Krishna are cleaned and decorated with flowers, jewelry, and vibrant clothes, symbolizing their divine union.
- The decorated idols are placed on a platform, and a diya (lamp) with pure ghee is lit. Various offerings like fruits and sweets are presented.
- During the puja, aarti (devotional song) is sung in praise of Radha and Krishna. Incense sticks, lamps, and sweets are offered.
- Many devotees fast on Radha Ashtami, refraining from food and water, and break their fast in the evening after offering prasad (food offerings) to the Goddess.
- Devotees chant mantras of Radha and Krishna to seek their blessings and deepen their spiritual connection.
- The prasad is shared among family, friends, and relatives, symbolizing the distribution of blessings and goodwill.
How to celebrate Radha Ashtami?
- Radha Ashtami is a special festival where people hold kirtans and bhajans at home.
- In northern India, Radha Rani's birthday is celebrated with great devotion and grandeur.
- Radha Krishna temples are beautifully decorated with flowers and lights, and special pujas are held.
- Iskcon temples host major celebrations on the eve of Radha Ashtami.
- Radha Rani's birthplace is adorned with balloons, lights, colourful tents, and various flowers.
- Radha and Krishna's love represents pure and eternal devotion, seen as one soul rather than separate entities.
- Devotees who worship Radha on this day are blessed with worldly pleasures, happiness, good health, wealth, and prosperity.
- On Radha Ashtami, devotees pray to Goddess Radha, fast, and participate in bhajans and kirtans.
- Many people celebrate Radha Rani's birthday with large events and gatherings.
Radha Ashtami Puja Mantras
1. || Om Vrishabhanujyai Vidmahe Krishnapriyaai Dheemahi Tanno Radha Prachodayat ||
2. || Om Hreem Radhikaye Namah..!!||
3. ||Om Hreem Shreem Radhikaye Namah..!!||
Happy Radha Ashtami wishes and messages to share on WhatsApp:
- Happy Radha Ashtami! May Goddess Radha fill your life with love, joy, and divine blessings.
- Wishing you a blissful Radha Ashtami! May your heart be filled with Radha RaniĄ¯s eternal love and grace.
- On this special day of Radha Ashtami, may you be blessed with happiness, health, and prosperity. Enjoy the divine celebration!
- Happy Radha Ashtami! May the love and devotion of Radha and Krishna inspire your life and bring you peace.
- Sending you warm wishes on Radha Ashtami! May your life be illuminated with Radha RaniĄ¯s light and devotion.
- Blessed Radha Ashtami to you and your family! May the divine love of Radha and Krishna bring you endless joy and prosperity.
- Happy Radha Ashtami! May the grace of Goddess Radha guide you towards a path of happiness and success.
- On this auspicious day of Radha Ashtami, may your life be filled with Radha RaniĄ¯s boundless love and blessings.
- Wishing you a joyous Radha Ashtami! May the love of Radha and Krishna enrich your life with peace and harmony.
- Happy Radha Ashtami! May Radha RaniĄ¯s divine presence bring you closer to your dreams and fill your life with joy and success.
Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.
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