NEW DELHI : Radha Ashtami holds immense spiritual significance in Hinduism. It is said that Radha, the divine consort of Lord Krishna, was born on the 8th (Ashtami) Tithi during Shukla Paksha (dark fortnight) of the Bhadrapada month.
This year, this festival will be celebrated on Saturday, September 19, 2026. On this day, devotees observe a fast and pray to Radha with sincerity and devotion. It is believed that worshipping her brings peace, happiness and prosperity.
Let’s understand the auspicious tithi, significance and the puja rituals in detail.
Radha Ashtami: Date And Sacred Tithi
Radha Ashtami 2026 will be observed on Saturday, 19th September 2026. According to Drik Panchang, the auspicious tithi timings are:
- Ashtami Tithi begins – 1:00 PM, 18th September, 2026
- Ashtami Tithi ends – 3:26 PM, 19th September, 2026
- Madhyahna Puja Muhurat – 11:01 AM – 1:28 PM
The puja muhurat can vary by region, so it is advised to refer to the local panchang.
Why Radha Ashtami Puja Performed At Noon?
In Hinduism, the sunrise and sunset are divided into five equal parts: pratahkala, sangava, madhyahna, aparahna and sayankal. During madhyahna, Radha was born. That is why it is considered auspicious to perform puja during this hour.
Why Is Radha Ashtami Celebrated?
The festival of Radha Ashtami, also known as Radha Jayanti, is celebrated to honour and commemorate the birth of Radha, the divine consort of Lord Krishna. This day also celebrates the love between Radha and Lord Krishna.
Radha Ashtami: Step-By-Step Puja Vidhi As Per Brihannaradiya Purana
According to the Brihannaradiya Purana, observing the Radha Ashtami Vrat with the following procedure yields special spiritual merit.
- Devotees, after completing your daily morning rituals such as bathing, wear clean and pure clothes.
- Then, inside a sanctified area or Mandapa, create a sacred Mandala and establish an earthen or copper Kalasha at its centre.
- Place a copper plate over the Kalasha and install an idol of Goddess Radharani on it.
- Cover the idol with two new garments.
- Thereafter, during the Madhyahna Kala, worship Radharani with the complete Shodashopachara ritual and devotion.
- Then devotees need to observe a full-day fast as per their capacity. If unable to do so, observe an Ekabhukta Vrat,i.e, a single-meal fast.
- On the following day, serve meals lovingly to Married Women
- Then, offer the worshipped idol as a donation to an Acharya and conclude the vrat by partaking a meal with your family.
Radha Ashtami Puja At Home
1. Devotees need to wake up early in the Brahma muhurat, wear clean clothes and take a Sankalp.
2. Then set up the puja altar by first thoroughly cleaning it and then placing a red or yellow cloth on the chowki.
3. After setting up the puja space, place the idol or picture of Radharani along with Lord Krishna.
4. Then bathe the idols with milk, curd, honey, ghee and water.
5. After bathing, adorn the idols with new clothes and ornaments.
6. Offer Chandan, Kumkum, Akshat, tulsi and fresh flowers.
7. Offer kheer, malpua, makhan mishri, fruit and sweets during the madhyahna window.
8. Light the diya and offer your prayers.
9. Recite e the Radha Chalisa or the names of Radharani according to your family tradition.
10. Perform the aarti and distribute the prasad.
11. Break the fast according to your tradition.
Radha Ashtami: Puja Samagri
- Idol or image of Radharani and Lord Krishna, where they are kept together
- Chowki with a clean yellow or red cloth
- New garments and ornaments for the idol
- Kalasha topped with coconut and mango leaves
- Panchamrit, made of milk, curd, ghee, honey and sugar
- Tulsi leaves, fresh flowers and a garland
- Chandan, kumkum, Akshat
- Kheer, malpua, makhan mishri, fruit and sweets for the naivedya
- Ghee or oil, wicks, dhoop and camphor for diya
How Barsana Celebrates Radha Ashtami?
Radha Ashtami is celebrated with great enthusiasm in the Braj region, especially in Barsana. On this occasion, a grand celebration is organised at the Shri Ladli Ji Maharaj Temple in Barsana, where grand Abhishekam and special worship of Radha is performed. Vrindavan, Nandgaon and the other Braj towns also celebrate this festival on a large scale.
