Vaishnava festival
Rādhāṣṭamī: the appearance of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī
Fifteen days after Janmāṣṭamī, the appearance of Rādhā, devotion in person, is celebrated.
What is celebrated
Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī is Krishna’s eternal companion. She appeared in the village of Rāval, near Vrindavan, as the daughter of King Vṛṣabhānu and Kīrtidā, and grew up in Varṣāṇā.
For Gaudiya Vaishnavas, Rādhā is devotion itself: no one loves Krishna as she does, and that is why it is to her that one turns for help in learning to love Him. The word Hare in the maha-mantra is the way of calling her.
How it is celebrated
- Devotees fast until noon.
- Songs dedicated to Rādhā are sung and her glories are read.
- In many temples it is the only day of the year when Rādhārāṇī’s feet can be seen on the altar.
- At noon a great feast is offered.
In 2026 it falls on 19 September 2026, according to the calendar calculated for London. In 2027 it will be on 8 September 2027. Vaishnava dates follow the moon and change every year: check them in the calendar. Each temple organises its own programme; ask at your nearest one.