Radha Ashtami 2026 will be observed on September 19, 2026, Saturday. This festival is celebrated on the Ashtami Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the Bhadrapada month. According to religious belief, Radha Rani was born on this day. Therefore, Radha Ashtami is celebrated with devotion as the birth anniversary of Radha Rani.
Radha Ashtami falls around 15 days after Janmashtami. Special pujas and celebrations are held in Mathura, Vrindavan and Barsana on this occasion. There is also a tradition of worshipping Lord Krishna along with Radha Rani on Radha Ashtami.
If you want to know when Radha Ashtami 2026 will be observed, how to perform Radha Ashtami puja, its religious significance, and the story of Radha Rani's birth, this article provides complete information.
When is Radha Ashtami 2026?
Radha Ashtami will be observed on September 19, 2026, Saturday.
The festival is celebrated on the Ashtami Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the Bhadrapada month. On this day, devotees worship Radha Rani and Lord Krishna and pray for happiness, prosperity, peace and the well-being of their families.
Radha Ashtami 2026 Date and Time
• Radha Ashtami: September 19, 2026, Saturday
• Ashtami Tithi Begins: September 18, 2026, at 1:02 PM
• Ashtami Tithi Ends: September 19, 2026, at 3:28 PM
Key Details About Radha Ashtami 2026
• Festival: Radha Ashtami
• Year: 2026
• Date: September 19, 2026
• Day: Saturday
• Paksha: Shukla Paksha
• Tithi: Ashtami
• Main Deities: Radha Rani and Lord Krishna
• Main Belief: Celebration of Radha Rani's birth
Religious Significance of Radha Ashtami
Like Janmashtami, Radha Ashtami is considered an important religious festival in Sanatan Dharma. The day is dedicated to the devotion of Radha Rani and her divine love for Lord Krishna.
According to religious belief, those who worship Radha Rani with devotion receive the blessings of Lord Krishna. Observing the Radha Ashtami fast is also believed to help remove difficulties and bring happiness and peace.
Women also observe the Radha Ashtami fast and pray for lasting marital happiness, family prosperity and peace. The fast is also considered significant for women who wish for the blessing of children.
How to Perform Radha Ashtami Puja?
On Radha Ashtami, devotees should wake up early, complete their daily routine and take a bath. After this, clean the puja area and sprinkle Gangajal to purify the space.
For the puja, place a clean cloth on a wooden platform and install a clay or copper Kalash in the centre. Then place an idol or picture of Radha Rani and Lord Krishna.
Radha Ashtami Puja Vidhi
1. Take a bath in the morning and wear clean clothes.
2. Clean the puja area and sprinkle Gangajal.
3. Place a clean cloth on the wooden platform and install the Kalash.
4. Place the idols or pictures of Radha Rani and Lord Krishna.
5. Wrap Kalava around a betel nut and place Lord Ganesha for worship.
6. Worship Lord Ganesha first.
7. Bathe Radha Rani's idol with Panchamrit and dress her in new clothes.
8. Apply Kumkum tilak to Radha Rani and Chandan tilak to Lord Krishna.
9. Offer Bhog to Radha Rani and Lord Krishna.
10. Listen to the story associated with the divine pastimes of Radha and Krishna with devotion.
11. Perform the Aarti after the puja.
12. Distribute Prasad at the end.
The next day, according to one's faith and tradition, there is also a practice of serving food and offering Dakshina to married women and Acharyas.
Where Was Radha Rani Born?
According to religious belief, Radha Rani was born in Rawal village, located near the Yamuna, on the Ashtami Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the Bhadrapada month.
Radha Rani's father is traditionally known as Shri Vrishabhanu, while her mother's name is Kirti. Later, her father settled in Barsana.
For this reason, special celebrations are held in Barsana and nearby areas on Radha Ashtami.
Story of Radha Rani's Birth
The story associated with Radha Rani's birth is traditionally believed to be described in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana.
According to the story, Lord Krishna was once present near Virajadevi in Goloka. Radha Rani did not like Lord Krishna being near Virajadevi.
After this, Radha Rani went towards Lord Krishna with her friends, but Shridama stopped her.
Angered by Shridama stopping her, Radha Rani cursed him to be born in the Asura form. Shridama then also cursed Radha Rani, saying that she would have to be born in the human form.
Shridama said that an exalted yogi who would be an aspect of Shri Hari would be born, and his name would be Rayan. On Earth, people would consider Radha Rani to be Rayan's wife, and she would experience separation from Lord Krishna for some time.
This story of the curse is traditionally associated with Radha Rani's birth on Earth.
Significance of Worshipping Radha-Krishna on Radha Ashtami
There is a tradition of worshipping Lord Krishna along with Radha Rani on Radha Ashtami. In religious tradition, Radha and Krishna are considered inseparable.
For this reason, just like Janmashtami, special pujas, Bhajan-Kirtan and Aarti are performed in temples and homes on Radha Ashtami. Devotees remember Radha Rani and Lord Krishna and pray for happiness, peace and prosperity.
What to Do on Radha Ashtami?
On Radha Ashtami, devotees may follow their traditions and means to:
• Worship Radha Rani and Lord Krishna.
• Observe a fast or Upvas.
• Offer Bhog to Radha-Krishna.
• Listen to the story of Radha Rani.
• Perform Bhajan-Kirtan and Aarti.
• Distribute Prasad.
• Donate to people in need.
Frequently Asked Questions About Radha Ashtami 2026
1. When is Radha Ashtami 2026?
Radha Ashtami will be observed on September 19, 2026, Saturday.
2. On which Tithi is Radha Ashtami celebrated?
Radha Ashtami is celebrated on the Ashtami Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the Bhadrapada month.
3. Who is worshipped on Radha Ashtami?
On this day, devotees mainly worship Radha Rani and Lord Krishna.
4. Why is Radha Ashtami celebrated?
Radha Ashtami is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Radha Rani.
5. Where was Radha Rani born?
According to religious belief, Radha Rani was born in Rawal village, which is said to be located near the Yamuna.
6. What were the names of Radha Rani's parents?
Radha Rani's father was Shri Vrishabhanu, and her mother was Kirti, according to religious tradition.
7. Why is the Radha Ashtami fast observed?
According to religious belief, the Radha Ashtami fast is observed for happiness, peace, family prosperity, lasting marital happiness and the blessing of children.
8. Why is Lord Krishna worshipped on Radha Ashtami?
Radha Rani and Lord Krishna are considered inseparable in religious tradition. Therefore, Lord Krishna is also worshipped along with Radha Rani on Radha Ashtami.
Radha Ashtami is not only celebrated as the birth anniversary of Radha Rani but is also considered a symbol of devotion, love and surrender. On this day, devotees remember Radha Rani and Lord Krishna and pray for happiness, peace and positivity in their lives.
