Radhashtami Festival 2024
Iskcon Barasat organizing Radhashtami Festival this year in Gopal Bhavan, Barrackpur Road, Barasat. Event will start 11th September.
The divine appearance day of Srimati Radharani, the eternal consort of Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead
Radhastami is a very special day for all the Gaudiya Vaishnavas, as by obtaining the mercy of Srimati Radharani one can easily achieve Krishna-prema. Radha is Krishna’s dearest servant, and is His pleasure potency.
Srimati Radharani’s glorious birth occured on the eighth day of the bright moon in the month of Bhadra. Although generally not full on that day, the moon appeared full to celebrate Radharani’s appearance in this world. Among all of Krishna’s consorts in Sri Vrindavana, Srimati Radharani is the greatest. In fact, She is the queen of Vrndavana. At Sri Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir, we are fortunate to also worship Her eight dearest friends Lalita, Tungavidya, Chitra, Champakalata, Vishakha, Indulekha, Rangadevi and Sudevi.
Why is Radha Ashtami Celebrated?
Radha Ashtami, also known as Radhathtami or Radha Jayanti, is considered one of the most important and auspicious festivals of the Hindus. The festival a celebrated to honor and commemorate the birth of Radha, the awihe consort of Shri Krishna On this special day, the devotees worship Radharani with a great deal of enthusiasm and devotion. The day is also a celebration of the selfiess arid admirable bond of love between Radha and Krishna and their holy union.
How to Celebrate Radha Ashtami?
To celebrate Radha Ashtami, devotees wake up early, take a holy bath, and dress in new or clean clothes. Homes and temples are beautifully decorated with flowers, especially lotus flowers, which are dear to Radha. Devotees create an altar with an idol or image of Radha, often alongside Krishna, and offer a variety of sweets, fruits, and dishes as part of the puja. The worship typically includes chanting mantras, singing bhajans, and reciting Radha's stories and glories. Fasting from dawn until noon is common, followed by a feast prepared with love and devotion. In some regions, devotees also perform Raslila, a traditional dance depicting the divine love story of Radha and Krishna. This auspicious day is not just a celebration of Radha's birth but also an opportunity for devotees to seek her blessings and deepen their spiritual connection.
On this most auspicious day, we pray at the lotus feet of Srimati Radhika to please bestow upon us her causeless mercy, and grant us service at her lotus feet, counting us amongst one of her own maid servants.