Know the date, shubh muhurat, puja rituals, significance and ways to celebrate the festival – India TV

Radha Ashtami is an important festival in the Hindu calendar, celebrated in honor of the birth of Goddess Radha, the eternal consort of Lord Krishna. It is celebrated on the eighth day (Ashtami) of Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. In 2024, Radha Ashtami will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 11.

Radha Ashtami 2024: Shubh Muhurat

The auspicious time, or shubh muhurat, for Radha Ashtami will vary from region to region. However, according to Drik Panchang, the general period for Radha Ashtami celebrations is during the Ashtami Tithi, which will begin at 10:21 pm on September 10 to 11:11 pm and end on September 11 at 11:46 pm. The Madhyahna Puja Muhurat is scheduled from 10:29 am to 12:57 pm on September 11.

Radha Ashtami 2024: Puja Rituals

Radha Ashtami is characterized by various devotional practices, and the rituals followed include:

• Morning Puja: Devotees begin their day by taking a ritual bath and offering prayers to Goddess Radha and Lord Krishna. Houses and temples are cleaned and decorated.
• Fasting: Many people observe a fast, abstaining from food and drink until the Radha Ashtami puja is completed.
• Worship of Radha and Krishna: A special puja is performed with offerings of flowers, fruits, sweets and sacred items like milk, curd and honey. The idols of Radha and Krishna are bathed with panchamrit (a mixture of milk, curd, ghee, honey and sugar).
• Chanting and Kirtans: Devotees sing devotional songs, bhajans and kirtans in praise of Radha and Krishna, particularly in temples dedicated to them.
• Raas Leela Reenactments: Dramatic performances recreating the divine love story of Radha and Krishna, including the famous Raas Leela, are held at some places, especially in Vrindavan and Barsana.
• Aarti and Prasad: The puja concludes with aarti (lamp offering) and distribution of prasad (sacred food).

Radha Ashtami 2024: Importance

Radha Ashtami has deep spiritual significance. It celebrates the divine love between Radha and Krishna, and symbolizes the soul’s longing to unite with the divine. Goddess Radha represents devotion, purity, and the eternal bond of love. She is often regarded as the embodiment of bhakti (devotion), and her love for Krishna serves as an inspiration for devotees to seek closeness to God through devotion and love.

Radha Ashtami is particularly revered in Vrindavan, Mathura and Barsana, where large groups of devotees gather to celebrate with enthusiasm and fervour.

Radha Ashtami 2024: Ways to Celebrate

Here are some simple and meaningful ways to celebrate Radha Ashtami:

• Offer prayers and bhajans: Start your day with a simple puja at home, offering flowers and sweets to Radha and Krishna. Sing bhajans and chant their names to feel spiritually connected.
• Visit temples: If possible, visit nearby Radha and Krishna temples to participate in special prayers and aarti. Temples often host grand celebrations with kirtans, dance performances, and more.
• Prepare special dishes: Like many Hindu festivals, preparing special food offerings is part of the celebration. You can make sweets like malpua, peda or offer fruits and milk-based dishes.

Radha Ashtami is a festival of divine love and devotion. It reminds devotees of Radha’s selfless love for Lord Krishna and inspires them to cultivate a deep spiritual connection with the divine. Through fasting, prayers, chanting, and acts of charity, Radha Ashtami can be celebrated with joy and reverence.

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