Radhashtami 2026: five things to bring home for good fortune
Radhashtami falls on September 19, and tradition holds that certain items brought home on the day bring love, harmony and prosperity.
Radhashtami is regarded as a festival of love, devotion and surrender. According to religious belief, Radha Rani is seen as a symbol of unwavering love and sacrifice for Lord Krishna. It is believed that chanting Radha's name before Krishna's completes one's devotion.
Radhashtami is celebrated on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the bright fortnight of the Bhadrapada month, the day Radha Rani is said to have appeared. Devotees observe a fast on this day, meditate on Radha and Krishna, and pray for happiness and prosperity. Certain items are also considered auspicious to bring home on this day.
According to the Vedic almanac, the Ashtami tithi of Bhadrapada Shukla Paksha began at 1:02 pm on Friday, September 18, and ended at 3:28 am on Saturday, September 19. Based on Udaya Tithi, Radhashtami will be celebrated on Saturday, September 19.
It is believed that observing the Radhashtami fast and performing the puja increases devotion, love and good fortune in a person's life, and that a devotee who follows it becomes worthy of the supreme love of Radha and Krishna. Those who keep the fast are said to receive lasting good fortune, happiness and prosperity, along with steadiness on the path of devotion and the grace of Lord Krishna. It is said that Krishna comes on his own to whoever chants "Radha-Radha". Keeping the Radhashtami fast is also said to bring love, harmony and sweetness to married life, along with the joy of having children.
Bringing a peacock feather home on Radhashtami is considered auspicious. It is believed to bring positivity and peace into the home, and it can be kept near a picture of Radha and Krishna for worship.
Similarly, bringing home a flute adorned with a peacock feather is also considered auspicious on this day. The flute is seen as a symbol of love and sweetness, and keeping it near Radha and Krishna in the prayer room is said to increase love and positivity within the family.
According to religious belief, bringing a tulsi (holy basil) plant home on Radhashtami is also considered auspicious. Those who do not already have a tulsi plant at home can bring one in on this day, which is believed to bring happiness, peace and prosperity to the household.
Offering gulal (coloured powder) to Radha Rani on Radhashtami is also considered auspicious. It is believed to bring her blessings and usher in love, joy and happiness in life.
Buying silver anklets or a toe ring featuring a peacock feather design is also considered auspicious on Radhashtami. During the puja, these can be touched to Radha Rani's feet and then gifted to a married woman or worn by oneself. It is believed this brings good fortune and marital happiness.
