Radha Ashtami 1996

Radha Ashtami (Radhashtami) celebrates the appearance of Srimati Radharani on Bhadrapada Shukla Ashtami, fifteen days after Krishna Janmashtami. Radha's appearance is traditionally placed at midday, just as Krishna's own appearance at midnight governs Janmashtami.

According to the Padma Purana, Brahma Vaivarta Purana, and Garga Samhita, the infant Radha was found on the banks of the Yamuna, upon a golden lotus, by Vrishabhanu and his wife Kirtida. The child kept her eyes closed and would not open them, until the child Krishna himself was brought before her. The sage Narada Muni is said to have reassured the anxious parents, revealing the child's divine nature. The festival is especially celebrated in Vrindavan and Barsana, traditionally associated with Radha's early life, with the nearby village of Raval held by some traditions as her actual birthplace.

Devotees observe a fast until Madhyahna (noon), when a ceremonial abhishekam of Radha (or Radha-Krishna) is performed with panchamrita, followed by shringara (decoration) and an offering of bhog, after which the fast is broken. The day is marked by continuous kirtan and devotional singing in praise of Radha throughout Vrindavan and Barsana.