Radhashtami on September 19: the day of Radha-Krishna devotion

This year Radhashtami will be celebrated on Saturday, September 19, 2026. The day is traditionally observed on the Ashtami of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. The Ashtami tithi begins at 1 pm on September 18 and ends at 3:26 pm on September 19.

On Radhashtami, devotees bathe in the morning and wear clean clothes. Radha-Krishna are worshipped at the home altar, and in some places a special puja for Radha is performed in the afternoon. Fasting is also observed on this day, though the manner of fasting can vary by family tradition. During the puja, flowers, fruits, sweets and an offering are presented to Radha-Krishna followed by an aarti. Devotees chant the names of the deities and take part in bhajans and kirtans on this day.

Radhashtami is regarded as the day marking Radha's birth. Radha is seen as a symbol of intense love, surrender and devotion toward Krishna. In the Vaishnav tradition, the joint worship of Radha-Krishna is considered very important. Radha's devotion is seen as free of any expectation, and her relationship with Krishna is regarded as an ideal expression of love and surrender. Devotees therefore remember and worship Radha, chant her name and observe a fast on Radhashtami.

Across various Vaishnav traditions, Radha holds a place of honour as Krishna's most beloved gopi and as a symbol of ideal devotion. According to the Marathi Vishwakosh, the Puranas and Jayadeva's Geet Govind played a major role in the development of the devotional tradition around Radha. In later periods, the worship of Radha-Krishna gained a special place across different Vaishnav sects. Radha is not seen merely as Krishna's beloved but as a symbol of love, separation, surrender and devotion within Krishna bhakti.

In Maharashtra, Radhashtami is linked to the Vaishnav and Krishna devotional tradition. Temples organise special puja, abhishek, bhajans and kirtan for Radha-Krishna. Some families observe the puja and fast at home. The ISKCON temple in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, will also hold a Radhashtami programme on September 19. Since Krishna devotion holds an important place in Maharashtra's bhakti tradition, Radhashtami is regarded as a day to remember Radha's loving devotion and to chant the names of Radha-Krishna.

The festival of Radhashtami underscores the importance of selfless love, faith and devotion. Radha's love for Krishna is considered the ideal form of devotion. On this day, therefore, special importance is given not just to performing rituals but to remembering Radha-Krishna wholeheartedly, taking part in bhajans and kirtans, and preserving devotional feeling.