Radha Ashtami 2026 falls on Saturday, 19 September. This sacred day celebrates the divine appearance of Shri Radha Rani. On this day, devotees worship Radha Krishna together, seeking love, harmony, and blessings. Here, read in detail about Radha Ashtami katha, fasting rules, rituals, benefits, and more.
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Radha Ashtami 2026 Date and Puja Timings
Suggested Puja
Prem Prapti Shri Radha Krishna Abhishek and Santan Prapti Santan Gopal Yagya
Puja For Love, Relationship Happiness & The Blessing Of Children
Here are the exact date and puja timings for Radha Ashtami 2026, based on the Hindu Panchang.
- Radha Ashtami 2026 Date: Saturday, 19 September 2026
- Hindu Month: Bhadrapada, Shukla Paksha
- Ashtami Tithi Begins: 01:00 PM on 18 September 2026
- Ashtami Tithi Ends: 03:26 PM on 19 September 2026
- Madhyahna Puja Muhurat: 11:01 AM to 01:28 PM
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours 27 minutes
Also Read: Why A Kaal Sarp Dosh Nivaran Puja Is Important?
What is Radha Ashtami?
Radha Ashtami honours the divine appearance of Shri Radha Rani – the day she appeared on Earth for the first time. It falls on the Ashtami Tithi of Bhadrapada’s Shukla Paksha. Interestingly, the day arrives exactly fifteen days after Krishna Janmashtami.
According to legend, King Vrishabhanu found infant Radha near a lotus pond in Barsana. He then raised her as his own beloved daughter. Since then, devotees across Braj celebrate her birth with deep devotion.
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Significance of Radha Ashtami 2026
In 2026, this festival gains extra significance for devotees. It falls on a Saturday, traditionally linked to discipline and devotion. Moreover, it arrives soon after Krishna Janmashtami, extending the festive season for Radha Krishna devotees.
As a result, many families combine both celebrations into one spiritually rich period, making Radha Ashtami 2026 especially meaningful this year.
Radha Ashtami Katha: Story Behind the Fast
A well-known katha behind Radha Ashtami 2026 traces back to King Vrishabhanu and Queen Kirti of Barsana. For years, the couple longed for a child.
One day, Vrishabhanu discovered a radiant baby girl resting on a lotus leaf near a pond. He named her Radha and brought her home with joy.
According to legend, baby Radha kept her eyes closed at first. She opened them only when she finally saw Lord Krishna. This moment beautifully symbolises true devotion.
In fact, it shows that spiritual vision awakens only through connection with the divine. Since then, this story inspires devotees to seek Krishna through pure love and surrender.
How to Observe Radha Ashtami Fast: Vrat Vidhi
Fasting is an important part of Radha Ashtami 2026 for many devotees. Here is the step-by-step process generally followed for the vrat.
- Wake Up Early and Take Sankalp: Rise before sunrise and take a vow to observe the fast with devotion and keep your desire in mind.
- Observe the Fast: Depending on personal capacity, keep a Nirjala fast, a Phalahar fast with fruits, or a simple Satvik fast.
- Bathe and Purify: Take a holy bath and wear clean, preferably new, clothes before the puja.
- Set Up the Altar: Clean the puja area and place an idol or picture of Radha Krishna on it.
- Perform the Puja: Offer panchamrit, flowers, incense, and light a diya as part of the worship.
- Recite the Katha: Read or listen to the Radha Ashtami katha during the day.
- Perform Madhyahna Puja: Worship the idols, chanting the Radha Astami mantras during the Madhyahna Muhurat (the most auspicious time of the day).
- Evening Aarti: Perform the Radha Rani aarti in the evening with full devotion and gratitude. End the aarti with flower offerings.
- Break the Fast: Conclude the fast after the puja is complete, usually with a simple satvik meal.
What are the Benefits of Radha Ashtami Fast?
Observing this puja brings several spiritual and personal benefits for devotees of Radha Ashtami 2026.
- Goddess Radha Blessings: The puja invokes the grace of Shri Radha Rani and Radha Krishna together, considered especially auspicious on this day.
- Marital Harmony: It is believed to strengthen love, trust, and understanding between couples, making it popular among married devotees.
- Inner Peace: Regular worship on this day every year encourages emotional balance and helps devotees experience spiritual calm.
- Family Wellbeing: The puja is also observed to support happiness, harmony, and unity within the household.
- Devotional Growth: Finally, the practice deepens one’s connection to Krishna consciousness and strengthens daily devotion over time.
Radha Maa Ki Aarti lyrics in English & Hindi
Singing the aarti is an essential part of Radha Ashtami puja. Here is one of the most popular traditional aartis dedicated to Shri Radha Rani.
Radha Maa Aaart Lyrics In English
Aarti Shri Vrishbhanu Suta Ki, Manjul Murti Mohan Mamta Ki ||
Trividh Tapyut Sansriti Nashini, Vimal Vivekvirag Vikasini |
Pawan Praphu Pradh Priti Prakashini, Sundartam Chavi Sundarta Ki ||
Muni Mann Mohan Mohan Mohini, Madhur Manhor Murti Sohini |
Aviralprem Amiye Ras Dohini, Priye Ati Sada Sakhi Lalita Ki ||
Santat Sevyeh Sat Muni Jan Ki, Aakar Amit Divyagun Gun Ki |
Aakarshini Krishna Tan Man Ki, Ati Amulya Sampati Samata Ki ||
Krishnataamika Krishna Sehchari, Chinmayya Vrinda Vipin Viharini |
Jag Janini Jag Dukh Nivarini, Aadi Anaadi Shakti Vibhuta Ki ||
!! Aarti Shri Vrishbhanu Suta Ki !!
Radha Maa Aaart Lyrics In Hindi
आरती श्री वृषभानुसुता की,मंजुल मूर्ति मोहन ममता की।
त्रिविध तापयुत संसृति नाशिनि,विमल विवेकविराग विकासिनि।
पावन प्रभु पद प्रीति प्रकाशिनि,सुन्दरतम छवि सुन्दरता की॥
मुनि मन मोहन मोहन मोहनि,मधुर मनोहर मूरति सोहनि।
अविरलप्रेम अमिय रस दोहनि,प्रिय अति सदा सखी ललिता की॥
संतत सेव्य सत मुनि जनकी,आकर अमित दिव्यगुन गनकी।
आकर्षिणी कृष्ण तन मन की,अति अमूल्य सम्पति समता की॥
कृष्णात्मिका कृष्ण सहचारिणि,चिन्मयवृन्दा विपिन विहारिणि।
जगज्जननि जग दुःखनिवारिणि,आदि अनादि शक्ति विभुता की॥
आरती श्री वृषभानुसुता की।
Radha Ashtami Mantra
Chanting the Radha Ashtami Mantra during the day part of the Puja is believed to bring peace and divine blessings. Here are the key mantras devotees recite on this day, each for 108 times.
Ashtakshari Mantra (chant this repeatedly):
ॐ ह्रीं श्रीराधिकायै नम:
ॐ ह्रीं श्रीराधिकायै नम:
Om Hreem Shriradhikayai Namah:
Om Hreem Shriradhikayai Namah:
Mantra for Shri Krishna and Radha Rani:
नमस्तैलोक्यजननि प्रसीद करुणार्णवे।
ब्रह्मविष्ण्वादिभिर्देवैर्वन्द्यमान पदाम्बुजे।।
Namasteilokyajanani Prasidh Karunarnave.
Brahmavishnuvadibhirdevairvandymaan Padambuje.
Note: Devotees usually chant these mantras during the Madhyahna puja muhurat for maximum benefit. Reciting them with devotion matters more than the number of repetitions.
Which Temples to Attend for Radha Ashtami
Several temples across Braj hold grand celebrations on this day. Here are the most important ones devotees generally attend. Attending any one of them can be very auspicious.
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Shri Radha Rani Temple, Barsana
Shri Radha Rani Temple is at the birthplace of Radha Rani and hosts the largest Radha Ashtami celebrations. It is the only day when devotees can witness darshan of Goddess Radha’s lotus feet. Hence, devotees gather here in large numbers for special darshan and abhishek (idol bathing).
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Banke Bihari Temple, Vrindavan
The Banke Bihari Temple represents the united essence of Radha and Krishna. The term “Banke” means “bent at three places” (Tribhanga posture of Krishna Ji), and Bihari refers to the joyful Krishna. This temple observes the day with special decorations, aarti, and devotional singing. It remains one of the most visited temples during the festival.
- Radha Damodar Mandir, Vrindavan
Associated with Sri Rupa Goswami and the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, this temple is also one of Vrindavan’s most highly regarded temples. Devotees visit this temple especially to attend Prem Prapti Shri Radha Krishna Abhishek and Santan Prapti Santan Gopal Yagya. This ritual is held for a happy married life and to seek a child.
- ISKCON Temple, Vrindavan
ISKCON hosts kirtans, spiritual discourses, and cultural programs on this day. It attracts devotees from India and abroad alike. Devotees come here on special occasions for the Shri Radha Krishna Sarva Siddhi Puja & Maha Aarti with 56 Bhog Seva. It promotes success, prosperity, love, and family happiness.
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Prem Mandir, Vrindavan
Known for its architecture, Prem Mandir is beautifully illuminated with lights on Radha Ashtami. Many visitors come here for a peaceful evening darshan. The 15 days right from Krishna Janmashtami to Radha Rani Ashtami are spiritually rich at this temple.
Why Book InstaAstro Puja On Radha Ashtami 2026?
Not everyone can travel to Barsana or Vrindavan for Radha Ashtami. However, that does not mean devotees have to miss out on a proper, temple-style celebration.
With InstaAstro Puja, you can get a temple-like experience right from the comfort of your home. Experienced priests carry out the rituals on your behalf, following traditional customs with care.
Moreover, several types of pujas can be booked online for this occasion, including a special Radha Krishna Puja for Radha Ashtami. This makes it easier for devotees everywhere to celebrate the day with devotion, convenience, and authenticity.
Conclusion
Radha Ashtami 2026 falls on Saturday, 19 September, marking the divine appearance of Shri Radha Rani. Devotees fast, worship Radha Krishna, visit temples, and chant sacred mantras seeking love, harmony, and prosperity. You can also book an authentic puja online from home. Be a part of it today.
