On Sunday, August 31, 2025, devotees across India will commemorate Radha Ashtami, a festival honoring the birth of Goddess Radha, the beloved consort of Lord Krishna. Celebrated with fervor, particularly in holy towns like Barsana and Vrindavan, this sacred day is marked by devotional rituals, vibrant processions, and heartfelt bhajans that echo the eternal bond between Radha and Krishna.
Radha Ashtami falls on the eighth day (Ashtami Tithi) of the Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, typically occurring in August or September. According to the Drik Panchang for New Delhi, the Ashtami Tithi begins at 10:46 PM on August 30 and ends at 12:57 AM on September 1, making August 31 the primary day of celebration. The most auspicious time for worship, the Madhyahna Puja Muhurat, spans from 11:05 AM to 1:38 PM, lasting 2 hours and 33 minutes. Some sources note slight variations, such as 11:09 AM to 1:36 PM, but the midday window remains ideal for rituals. ISKCON notes that lunar calculations may cause minor date differences based on location.
The festival celebrates Radha, revered in Vaishnavism as the embodiment of pure devotion and divine love for Krishna. Devotees believe that worshipping her on this day brings spiritual growth, marital harmony, and fulfillment of desires. Many observe a day-long fast, consuming only fruits and water until the puja is complete. Temples and homes resonate with devotional songs, kirtans, and offerings of sweets like makhan mishri and kheer.
In Barsana, Radha’s birthplace, and Vrindavan, festivities draw thousands with elaborate temple rituals and cultural events. The Shri Ladli Ji Maharaj Temple in Barsana hosts grand celebrations, including abhishekam (ritual bathing) of Radha’s idol. Devotees perform Shodashopachara Puja, a 16-step ritual, to seek blessings for peace and prosperity. Radha Ashtami, also known as Radha Jayanti, remains a profound expression of devotion, uniting communities in spiritual reverence.