Radha Ashtami 2024: Date, Time, Fast & Complete Details

Radha Ashtami (Sanskrit: राधाष्टमी) is a prominent Hindu festival celebrating the Divine Birth of Srimati Radha Rani, the chief consort of Lord Krishna. This auspicious occasion, also known as Radha Jayanti or Radhashtami, is celebrated with intense devotion and enthusiasm globally.  This major festival is celebrated in her birthplace Barsana and throughout the Braj region, where devotees gather to partake in both spiritual reflection and joyous festivities. 

This holy day symbolizes the divine birth of Radha Rani, providing a precious opportunity to devotees to deepen their devotion and celebrate her important role in the divine pastimes of Lord Krishna.  The celebrations are marked by vibrant rituals, heartfelt prayers and joyous community events, reflecting the deep love and reverence towards her.

Radha Ashtami 2024

This year, Radha Ashtami will be celebrated with great enthusiasm on Wednesday, September 11, 2024. The festival falls on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the bright (rising) half of the lunar month of Bhadrapada (August–September), fifteen days after Krishna Janmashtami.

Key Highlights:

Fasting and spiritual practices: Devotees will observe a fast and participate in spiritual activities, including performing abhishekam (ritual bath) for the Radha-Krishna deities, singing devotional kirtans and participating in lively processions. Rituals and Offerings: The celebrations will include elaborate Puja ceremonies, heartfelt prayers and mesmerizing devotional songs. The deities will be decorated with beautiful decorations and flower garlands, and various offerings will be made.

Grand Celebration: There will be vibrant community celebrations on the day, including kirtan and distribution of prasad, which will provide a spiritually enriching experience for all participants. Radha Ashtami 2024 will be a day of intense spiritual significance, marked by deep devotion and festive joy. On this Auspicious day, devotees will engage in various spiritual practices and rituals to honor the divine appearance of Srimati Radha Rani. Join us in celebrating Radha Ashtami with devotion and joy, embracing the divine love and blessings of Radha Rani throughout the celebration.

What is Radha Ashtami?

Radha Ashtami commemorates the divine appearance of Srimati Radharani. The personality of Radharani is completely transcendental to material existence. Lord Sri Krishna is the supreme personality of godhead, the energetic source of all emanations and She is the internal pleasure energy. Radha holds a unique and exalted position as the most beloved devotee of Lord Krishna, a role deeply glorified by Srila Rupa Goswami.

Her presence is necessary for the transmission of devotion from living beings to Krishna. She is the medium for transmitting the devotional service of living entities to Lord Sri Krishna and is full of mercy. She very easily bestows her mercy on the surrendered pure devotees. Devotees beg and pray for her mercy to obtain spiritual inspiration and loving devotional service on this auspicious occurrence of her appearance day.

Celebrations of the merciful appearance of Srimati Radharani with joyful festivities provide an opportunity to offer loving devotional service to Radha and Krishna. Thus Radha Ashtami is a festival that invokes her divine grace, which enhances the devotional journey of all who participate in the festival.

When is Radha Ashtami in 2024?

This year, Radha Ashtami will be observed on Wednesday, September 11, 2024.  The Ashtami Tithi will begin on 10 September 2024 at 11:11 PM and end on 11 September 2024 at 11:46 PM. The Madhyahna, a crucial time for celebrations, will be from 11:03 AM to 01:32 PM, lasting 2 hours and 29 minutes. These details are essential for devotees to plan their pujas and festivities accurately.

Radha Ashtami 2024 Date and Time:

• Ashtami Tithi Start: 10 September 2024 from 11:11 pm
• Ashtami Tithi ends: on 11th September 2024 at 11:46 pm
• Madhyahna Time: 11:03 am to 01:32 pm
• Madhyahna Duration: 2 hours 29 minutes

Devotees are encouraged to engage in auspicious activities during the Madhyahna Period to maximize the spiritual benefits of the festival and to honor the divine presence of Srimati Radharani.

Why is Radha Ashtami Celebrated?

Radha Ashtami is celebrated to honor the transcendental appearance of Srimati Radharani, who is revered as the greatest devotee of Lord Krishna.  This festival marks her divine birth and highlights his essential role in the pastimes of Krishna. It is believed that her presence brings immense spiritual benefits and blessings to his devotees, helping them come closer to Krishna and experience deep spiritual bliss.

Srimati Radharani is considered to be the embodiment of divine love and devotion, and her presence is believed to bring immense spiritual benefits and blessings to her devotees. By commemorating her Divine appearance, devotees acknowledge her unparalleled devotion and seek her divine grace. The festival serves as a significant occasion for expressing gratitude and deepening one's spiritual connection with Krishna.

How to Celebrate Radha Ashtami?

Radha Ashtami is celebrated with various spiritual practices and rituals that honor the divine birth of Srimati Radharani. Observances on this sacred day typically include the following:

• Maha Abhishekam (ritual bath): Perform sacred Abhishekam of Radha-Krishna deities using ingredients like milk, curd, honey, ghee, jaggery water and fresh fruit juices. The deities are also decorated with new clothes, exquisite jewelery and garlands of vibrant flowers.
• Offering and Arti: Present bhoga (sacred food) to the deities and perform the Arti ceremony. This involves offering incense, lamps, and other paraphernalia while singing devotional hymns.
• Kirtans and Bhajans: Engage in singing kirtans and bhajans praising Srimati Radharani and her divine pastimes. These devotional songs are an integral part of the celebration and help in enhancing the spiritual atmosphere.
• Fasting and Prayers: Devotees usually fast till noon, after which they pay respect to the Maha-Prasadam offered to the deities. Devotional prayers and discussions about the pastimes of Radha-Krishna are also organised.
• Processions and Festivities: Take part in joyous processions and celebrate with festive decorations. It involves narrating divine pastimes from sacred texts and participating in community celebrations.

By participating in these practices, devotees can fully embrace the spirit of Radha Ashtami and invite the divine blessings of Radharani into their lives.

Radha Ashtami Fast

Radha Ashtami, falling on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, is the day when devotees usually observe fast till noon, a half-day fast. However, like Ekadashi, some devotees observe a fast for the whole day or even abstain from water. Radha Ashtami Fast, also known as Radha Ashtami Vrat, is an important aspect of the Radhashtami Festival dedicated to honoring the Divine Birth of Srimati Radharani. This sacred ritual involves both physical restraint and intense spiritual practice, aimed at purifying the heart and mind of the devotee.

The Vrat Katha (story) and Vrat Vidhi (process) highlight the importance of this Vrat in deepening the devotion and invoking the blessings of Radharani.

Radha Ashtami Fast Method:

Preparation for Radha Ashtami Fast:

• Timing: Start the fast at sunrise on the day of Radhashtami and continue till noon.
• Cleansing: Start your day with a purifying bath early in the morning. This physical cleanliness is a sign of spiritual readiness.
• Spiritual Preparation: Engage in internal cleansing by chanting the Hare Krishna mantra.

Abhishekam (Ritual Bath):

• Materials: Use the following items for the sacred bath of the Radha-Krishna deities:
  • Milk
  • Curd
  • Honey
  • Ghee
  • Jaggery water
  • Fresh fruit juices
  • A variety of flowers
• Procedure: Gently bathe the deities with these offerings, expressing your devotion and reverence.

Decorating the Deities:

• Clothing: Dress the deities in new, beautifully decorated clothes.
• Jewelry and Garlands: Adorn them with exquisite jewelry and vibrant flower garlands.

Offering and Arti:

• Bhoga: Present sacred food offerings (bhoga) to the deities.
• Arti Ceremony: Perform the Arti with incense, lamps, and other ceremonial items to honor the deities.

Devotional Practices:

• Prayers: Recite prayers such as the Radharani Pranam Mantra.
• Chanting and Singing: Engage in chanting Hare Krishna Japa and singing devotional bhajans throughout the fasting period.

Distribution of Prasad:

• Post-Fast: After the fasting period ends, distribute the mahaprasadam (sanctified food) to all participants.

The observance of Radha Ashtami Fast has been highly praised in sacred texts like Padma Purana, Brahma Vaivarta Purana and Srimad Bhagavatam.

Complete Radha Ashtami Fast with Generous Donations

As we observe Radha Ashtami Fast on September 11, 2024, let us remember the selfless love and care that Srimati Radharani provides to us throughout the year. In return for her immense kindness, let us honor her by making generous donations on this special day. Your contribution will assist in temple services, charitable activities and preparations for offerings and celebrations. Srimati Radharani, the loving mother of all, nurtures us with her divine affection.

On his holy day, let us express our gratitude through generous donations. After all, it's the least we can do to show our appreciation and fulfill our duty. Your support not only enhances the Radha Ashtami celebrations but also ensures that the divine grace of Radharani continues to flow in our lives and the lives of others.

Join us in this great tradition, avail the opportunity to give back and receive the manifold blessings of Srimati Radharani.

Radharani Pranam Mantra

Radharani Pranam Mantra is a powerful invocation to respect Srimati Radharani and seek her blessings. Chanting this mantra on Radha Ashtami is believed to provide immense spiritual benefits including happiness, prosperity and inner peace.

Sri Radharani Pranama Mantra:

Mantra:

tapta-kancana-gaurangi radhe vrindavanesvari

vrishabhanu-sute devi pranamami hari-priye

Translation:

"I offer my respects to Radharani, whose bodily complexion is like molten gold and who is the Queen of Vrindavana. You are the daughter of King Vrishbhanu, and You are very dear to Lord Krishna."

Chanting Radharani Pranam Mantra on Radha Ashtami enhances spiritual growth and brings divine blessings of Shrimati Radharani in the person's life.

Radha Ashtami Story

Who is Radharani?

Srimati Radharani is the internal potency of Lord Sri Krishna known as ahladini shakti. She appeared on the eighth day of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (August - September) as the daughter of King Vrishbhanu and Queen Kirtida. She is praised by manifold holy names like Kishori, Radhika, Radha, Srimati, Shri ji, Krishna Vallabha, Vrindavaneshwari, and so on.

She is the chief among gopis and the foremost devotee of Lord Krishna. She intensifies the transcendental pleasure of Sri Krishna eternally and devotees seek her mercy to get recognized as loving servitors of the Lord. Understanding her transcendental personality requires great great spiritual insight.

Divine Birth of Srimati Radharani

Srimati Radharani is not an ordinary girl, her appearance and activities are transcendental and beyond the material conception just like Supreme Lord. She is not born like an ordinary girl from the womb of any human being. Her father Vrishbhanu and mother Kirtida didn’t have a child.

Once Maharaj Vrishbhanu was plowing in the field and saw a child lying in the field. The child was very beautiful and since he desired to have children he caught the child and presented it before Queen Kirtida. Then they celebrated the appearance of the girl child with jubilant festivities.

Sweet Pastimes of Radha and Krishna

During one performance of the rasa dance, Radharani suddenly left the area, as if She were angry that no special attention was being shown to Her. Krishna was desirous of seeing Radharani fulfill the purpose of the rasa dance, but not seeing Radharani there, He became very sorrowful and went to search Her out. Failing to find Her, He entered the bushes of Vrindavana and began to lament.

The perfection of the rasa dance was considered to be complete due to Radharani’s presence, and in Her absence, Krishna considered the dance to be disrupted. Therefore, He left the arena to search Her out. When He could not find Radharani after wandering in several places, He became very distressed. Thus, it is understood that Krishna could not enjoy His pleasure potency even in the midst of all the gopis. But in the presence of Radharani, He was satisfied. On Radha Ashtami, we honor this divine bond and the deep joy that Radharani brings to Krishna.

Importance and Significance of Radha Ashtami

Radha Ashtami has deep spiritual significance in the Gaudiya Vaishnav tradition. This festival is not only a celebration of the divine form of Srimati Radharani but also an essential occasion to deepen one's devotional practices and spiritual connection.

Importance: 

• Unity of Radha and Krishna: This festival underlines the unity of Srimati Radharani and Lord Krishna, highlighting their inseparable bond. Srimati Radharani is worshiped as the internal energy of Krishna, who is the embodiment of divine love and devotion. Celebrating Her Appearance Day confirms the understanding of this divine relationship.

• Spiritual Growth: Observing Radha Ashtami facilitates spiritual growth by encouraging devotees to engage in practices that deepen their understanding of divine love. The festival involves devotional activities like chanting, kirtan and puja, all of which enhance spiritual consciousness and devotion.
• Divine Mercy: This auspicious day is the time to receive the divine mercy of Srimati Radharani. Devotees believe that by participating in the festivals and observing the rituals, they receive his blessings, which aid in their spiritual advancement and bring them closer to Krishna.

Significance:

• Celebration of Divine Love: Radha Ashtami 2024 provides a special occasion to celebrate the divine love of Srimati Radharani and her important role in the divine pastimes of Lord Krishna. The festivals and rituals celebrated during this time help in strengthening and celebrating this deep relationship.
• Enhanced Devotional Practice: Participating in Radha Ashtami 2024 helps in enhancing one's devotional practice and spiritual experience. By adopting the rituals and teachings associated with this festival, devotees can deepen their connection with the divine and experience greater spiritual satisfaction.  

Understanding the importance and significance of Radhashtami increases the appreciation of this holy festival and enhances the overall spiritual experience of the devotees.

Celebration at Gupt Vrindavan Dham

Join Us for the Divine Celebration:

Radha Ashtami 2024 will be celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm at Gupt Vrindavan Dham. This year, the festival will be marked by vibrant decorations, devotional activities and a series of special programs to honor the presence of Srimati Radharani.

Highlights of the Celebration:

• Magnificent Decoration: The temple will be beautifully decorated with flowers, lights and colorful banners. The atmosphere will be full of spiritual energy and festive joy.
• Gorgeous Abhishekam: The highlight of the festival will be the elaborate Abhishekam (ritual bath) of the Radha-Krishna deities. This sacred ritual will include offering of Panchamrit, fresh fruit juices and different types of flowers.

• Devotional Kirtans and Bhajans: Throughout the day, devotees will participate in kirtans and bhajans, singing hymns and songs that praise the divine qualities and pastimes of Srimati Radharani and Lord Krishna.
• Procession and Arti:  A joyous pallaki procession will be organised, in which devotees will carry the deities in beautifully decorated pallaki. The procession will be accompanied by lively kirtan and aarti (ritual of offering light).

Detailed Schedule for Radha Ashtami 2024:

Gupt Vrindavan Dham heartily invites you to join the Grand Celebration and experience this auspicious occasion.

• The day begins with Mangala-arti and chanting of Sri Radhikashtakam.
• Devotees fast until noon and engage in kirtans, bhajans, and discussions.
• Evening activities include abhishekam of Sri Radha Krishna, Arti, bhoga, and a pallaki procession.
• Enjoy video shows and discussions about Srimati Radharani.
• The festivities culminate with the distribution of delicious mahaprasadam.

Experience the divine celebration: Join us at Gupt Vrindavan Dham to participate in the joyous celebration of Radha Ashtami 2024. The festival promises to be a spiritually enriching experience full of devotion, joy and divine blessings. We heartily invite you to be a part of this sacred occasion and celebrate the divine presence of Srimati Radharani with us.

Radha Ashtami 2024 Seva Opportunities

Participate in Devotional Service:

Radha Ashtami offers a unique opportunity to engage in seva (selfless service) and contribute meaningfully to the celebrations. This festival is a time of deep spiritual significance, and your participation can greatly enhance the experience of all devotees.

Gupt Vrindavan Dham heartily invites you to participate in the joyous celebrations. Celebrate the Divine Birth of Srimati Radha Rani by showing your devotion through participation in temple services and meaningful donations. This holy day provides a unique opportunity to earn divine blessings from Radha Rani. 

By participating in the festivities, whether through service or assistance, you contribute to the vibrant festivities and promote a spiritually enriching experience for all. Your participation helps ensure that the celebration is both fulfilling and transformative. Celebrate with us and be a part of this divine occasion.