Radha Ashtami 2024: Is Radha Jayanti celebrated on September 11 or 12? Here's all you need to know

Radha Ashtami, also known as Radhashtami or Radha Jayanti, is an auspicious Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Radha Rani, the beloved consort of Lord Krishna. This day holds immense significance for devotees, as it falls 15 days after Janmashtami, the celebration of Krishna's birth. Radha Ashtami is not just a day of rituals but a celebration of divine love and devotion. Every year, millions of devotees come together to honour Radha’s deep spiritual connection with Krishna, through prayers, fasting, and traditional ceremonies. The festival is a reminder of the purity of love and devotion in the human heart.

Radha Ashtami 2024 Date: Is It on September 10 or 11?

Radha Ashtami 2024 will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 11. This date aligns with the Ashtami Tithi (eighth lunar day) of the Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada. The confusion often arises because the Ashtami Tithi starts late on the previous day, September 10, and continues into the next day.

• Ashtami Tithi Begins: 11:11 PM on September 10, 2024
• Ashtami Tithi Ends: at 11:46 PM on September 11, 2024
• Madhyahna (Noon) Puja Time: 11:04 AM to 1:33 PM on September 11, 2024

Radha Ashtami 2024 Rituals and Traditions

On Radha Ashtami, devotees observe various rituals to honour Radha Rani. The day is marked by fasting, pujas, and devotional songs dedicated to her love for Lord Krishna. Here’s a look at the key Radha Ashtami rituals and their importance.

Fasting on Radha Ashtami

Many devotees choose to observe a fast on Radha Ashtami. Here's a guide to Radha Ashtami fasting rules:

• Sankalp: Devotees begin their day by taking a vow (sankalp) to fast, either for the entire day or until the afternoon (Madhyahna Kaal).
• Breaking the Fast: For those who cannot fast for 24 hours, it is acceptable to break the fast after performing the Madhyahna Kaal puja.
• Sattvik Diet: When breaking the fast, only sattvik food (pure vegetarian without onion, garlic, or any tamasik ingredients) should be consumed.
• Prohibitions: Avoid consuming any form of meat, eggs, alcohol, or tamasic foods during the fast.

Do’s and Don’ts to follow on Radha Ashtami

Here are some essential Radha Ashtami dos and don'ts for observing the festival in the right spirit:

Do’s

• Wake up early: It's best to rise during the holy Brahm Muhurat. If you are in Vrindavan, it's a good idea to join the Mangala Aarti.
• Take a vow: If you're fasting on Radha Ashtami, make a promise to observe a strict fast until the next day.
• Partial fasting option: If you can't fast for 24 hours, it's okay to fast until Madhyahna Kaal. After doing the puja at this time, you can break your fast.
• Eat sattvik food: When you end your fast, only eat pure vegetarian food without onion or garlic.
• Perform abhishekam: It's very auspicious to bathe the idols of Radha Krishna and Laddoo Gopal Ji with Gangajal and Panchamrit during Madhyahna Kaal. Dress them with flowers, jewelry, and beautiful clothes.
• Offer homemade prasad: Prepare bhog like Tulsi Patra, Panjiri, Kheer, Halwa, Malpua, Poori, and Chana for Radha Rani.
• Sing bhajans: Singing devotional songs and bhajans for Radha Rani from the heart is a beloved practice.
• Chant mantras: While worshipping Radha Ji, recite hymns, shlokas, and mantras.
• Maintain celibacy: It's important to practice celibacy while observing the fast on Radha Ashtami.
• Follow the right time: Perform Radha Puja rituals during the proper Muhurat without any delays.

Don’ts

• Avoid conflicts: Do not engage in arguments or speak negatively about anyone during this holy time.
• No tamasic food: Avoid eating tamasic foods like onions, garlic, eggs, and meat on Radha Ashtami, as it diminishes the purity of the day.
• No alcohol: Do not consume alcohol on this day, as it's believed to bring bad luck.

Rituals Performed on Radha Ashtami

Several traditional Radha Ashtami rituals are performed throughout the day to honour Radha Rani:

• Abhishekam: The idol of Radha is bathed with a mixture of milk, curd, honey, ghee, and holy water, symbolising purification.
• Offering Prasad: Special prasad is prepared and offered to Radha Rani. This prasad includes sweets like Kheer and Malpua.
• Singing Bhajans and Kirtans: Devotees sing kirtans and bhajans in praise of Radha, celebrating her divine love for Krishna.
• Reading Scriptures: Devotional texts such as the Gita Govinda are recited, narrating the divine bond between Radha and Krishna.

Significance of Radha Ashtami

Radha Ashtami is deeply significant in Hinduism as it celebrates the birth of Radha, who is considered an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. Radha represents pure love and devotion, and her unwavering love for Lord Krishna is revered by millions of devotees worldwide. Observing Radha Ashtami with dedication brings blessings of love, happiness, and spiritual fulfilment.

Radha Ashtami likewise highlights the idea of devotion beyond worldly attachments, symbolising the eternal bond between the divine feminine (Radha) and the divine masculine (Krishna).

Radha Ashtami 2024 mantras

“Om Keshavaya Namah”

“Om Narayanaya Namah”

“Om Madhavaya Namah”

“Om Hrishikesaya Namah”

Best Radha Ashtami wishes and messages to share on WhatsApp

• As Radha and Krishna’s love is eternal, may your love and happiness also be everlasting. Happy Radha Ashtami!
• On this Radha Ashtami, may you be blessed with the strength to love unconditionally, just like Radha.
• This Radha Ashtami may Radha Rani shower you with her choicest blessings. Radhey Radhey.
• With the blessings of Radha Rani, may you achieve success in all your endeavours. A very Happy Radha Ashtami to you and your family.
• May the melodies of Radha Krishna's divine love fill your life with harmony and bliss. Happy Radha Ashtami 2024!
• Wishing you a Radha Ashtami filled with devotion, spirituality, and moments of inner peace.
• May the divine grace of Radha Rani always be with you, guiding you towards a life filled with love and devotion. Happy Radha Ashtami!
• On this special day, may the divine couple of Radha-Krishna shower their blessings upon you and your loved ones. Happy Radha Ashtami!
• Wishing you a day filled with the sweetness of love, just like Radha's love for Krishna. Happy Radha Ashtami 2024!
• Like the flute of Krishna, may your love play the sweetest tunes of happiness and harmony. Happy Radha Ashtami!

As Radha Ashtami 2024 approaches, devotees can prepare by following the proper Radha Ashtami rituals, observing fasts, and embracing the dos and don'ts associated with this sacred day. Whether you celebrate on September 10 or 11, the essence of this festival lies in your devotion to Radha Rani and her divine love for Lord Krishna.

(Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.)

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