The auspicious festival of Radha Ashtami is celebrated today on the 26th of August this year. This Hindu festival commemorates the birth anniversary of Goddess Radhika also known as Shriradha. It is observed on the “Shukla Ashtami “of the Bhadrapada month. Radha is krishna’s beloved, the epitome of love and is equally venerated by the Krishna devotees in fact it is believed that Shri Krishna can be pleased by venerating Radha. It is so because Krishna resides in the heart of Radha.
Devotees worship Shri Radha Rani with utmost devotion on this auspicious day. This day also honors the pure bond of love between Radha Krishna, who are inseparables and one. Special puja or prayer is conducted in Shri Krishna’s temples all across India to celebrate the occasion of Radha Ashtami. The celebrations are galore in the holy town of Mathura, Vrindavan and Barsana. Shri Radhika was born in Barsana and is also known as Barsane waali Radha.
Radha Ashtami is a joyous occasion and the observer of the occasion is blessed with a happy and prosperous life. Radha is an incarnation of Goddess Laxmi who blesses her devotees with the power to overcome even the most difficult situations in life. It is true that any prayer conducted for Shri Krishna remains incomplete without Radha ji.
Celebrations and Rituals
Devotees start their day by worshipping RadhaKrishna. Some also observe a fast and make Prasad to be offered to Radha ji and Lord Krishna. The Idol of Radhakrishna is bathed and adorned with beautiful poshak, accessories and flowers. Devotees offer grand shringar to Shri Radha and chant devotional songs for Radha Krishna.
The celebrations are at its peak at the birth place of Shri Radha, Barsana. Albeit it is restricted to take in the Radha kund, however on the occasion of Radha Ashtami, several devotees wait to take holy dip the Radha kund. The day is celebrated with full pomp and show in the town and people from various places come down to Barsana to witness the festivity.
Devotees make their daughters wear lehengas like Goddess Radhika and conducts prayers to please her. The festival is celebrated with dance performances, singing devotional songs and depicting stories of Radha Krishna. One must celebrate the occasion to seek blessings from Goddess Radhika and Lord Krishna.
