Radha Ashtami 2027

Puja Vidhi

Who Should Do This Vrat?

• Devotees of Radha and Krishna: Men and women alike observe this vrat to seek the grace of Shri Radha Rani and deepen their devotion (Bhakti) to Shri Krishna.
• Married Women: Many women keep the fast for a happy married life, family harmony, and the well-being of their household (Saubhagya).

When Should This Be Performed?

• Morning Preparation: Bathe early, ideally during Brahma Muhurta (the pre-dawn hours), and take the Sankalp before beginning the day's fast.
• Puja Muhurat: The main puja is done at Madhyahna (midday), the hour at which Radha Rani is believed to have appeared. Check the puja muhurat for your city on this page.
• Evening Aarti: Devotional singing and aarti after sunset, followed by the fast being broken (some families break it the next morning).

About the Festival

Radha Ashtami celebrates the divine appearance (Janmotsav) of Shri Radha, the beloved of Lord Krishna, and is celebrated with great devotion across India, especially in Barsana, Vrindavan, and Mathura. It takes place on the Ashtami (eighth day) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada.

The Vrat Katha (Story of the Birth of Radha)

Long ago, in the village of Raval near Vrindavan, King Vrishabhanu was bathing in the sacred waters of the Yamuna. There, he saw a radiant lotus, and resting upon it was a newborn girl whose beauty shone like a thousand suns. Overjoyed, the king carried the child home to his wife, Queen Kirti, and they accepted her as a gift from the Divine. The child, however, did not open her eyes.

The couple was deeply troubled, for their daughter did not look at anyone or anything. Some time later, the divine sage Narada arrived at their home. After seeing the child, he revealed to them that she was no ordinary girl, but Shri Radha, the supreme Shakti and eternal beloved of Lord Krishna, and that she had come to earth to be with Him.

Sage Narada advised the king and queen: "Do not worry. This child will open her eyes when she sees Shri Krishna, the Lord of her heart. Raise her with love and devotion, and honour the day of her appearance every year, for those who worship her with a pure heart will receive her blessings and the grace of Krishna."

Soon afterwards, when Lord Krishna came to see the child, Radha opened her eyes for the first time, and her first sight was her beloved Krishna. The whole of Braj rejoiced. Since that day, devotees have observed Radha Ashtami with a fast and puja, knowing that worshipping Radha is the surest way to the love and grace of Krishna.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the midday puja:

• Image / Idol: A picture or idol of Radha and Krishna, or of Radha Rani
• Tilak & Sacred Powder: Roli, Kumkum, Chandan (sandalwood paste), and Akshat (unbroken rice grains)
• Lamps & Incense: A brass or clay Diya with Ghee and cotton wick, and Dhoop or incense sticks
• Bathing Items (Abhishek): Milk, curd, honey, Ghee, sugar, and clean water for Panchamrit, and Gangajal if available
• Food Offerings (Bhog): Fruits, Panchamrit, sweets made of milk such as peda, kheer, or makhan-mishri, with Tulsi leaves
• Devotional Accessories: Fresh flowers, a flower garland, new clothes and ornaments for the deity, and Kalava (sacred thread)

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta, bathe, and wear clean, auspicious clothes (preferably yellow, pink, or white).
2. Take a small amount of water in your right palm and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O Divine Mother Radha, today I observe this fast with a pure heart. Bless me with devotion to Shri Krishna, peace in my home, and the strength to complete this vow."
3. Observe the fast through the day. Most devotees keep a fast of fruits, milk, and water (Phalahar), while some fast without food or water.

Step 2: Preparing the Puja Altar

1. Clean the puja place and spread a clean yellow or red cloth over a wooden stool (Chowki).
2. Place the idol or picture of Radha Krishna on the Chowki, facing east if possible.
3. Keep the Panchamrit, flowers, Tulsi leaves, and Bhog ready near the altar.

Step 3: Performing the Midday Rituals

1. Abhishek: Bathe the idol of Radha Rani gently with Panchamrit and then with clean water, and dry it with a soft cloth.
2. Dressing the Deity: Dress the idol in new clothes and ornaments and decorate it with a garland.
3. Applying Tilak: Apply Chandan, Roli, and Akshat to the deity.
4. Offering Naivedya: Light the Ghee Diya and incense, offer flowers and Tulsi leaves, and place the Bhog before the deity.

Step 4: Reciting the Vrat Katha

1. Hold a few grains of rice and a few flower petals in your right hand.
2. Sit respectfully in front of the altar and recite or listen to the Radha Ashtami Vrat Katha with deep focus and devotion.
3. After completing the story, offer the grains and petals at the feet of the deity.

Step 5: Aarti and Bhajans

1. Perform the Radha Rani Aarti and the aarti of Shri Krishna with the lit Ghee lamp.
2. Sing bhajans and the names of Radha Krishna, such as "Radhe Radhe", with family members.
3. Offer a final bow (Pranam) and ask for forgiveness for any mistakes in the worship.

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Breaking the Fast

1. Touch the feet of the elders in your family to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
2. Distribute the prasad among family members, neighbours, and children.
3. Break your fast by partaking in the prasad and a simple sattvic meal.