Radha Ashtami: Is the Festival on September 18 or 19? Know Udaya Tithi, Auspicious Muhurtas, and Rituals

• by Akanksha Mishra
• 2026-09-08 17:12:00

The sacred and vibrant festival of Radha Ashtami, dedicated to the divine incarnation of Shri Radharani, is celebrated with immense devotion across the country on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the Hindu calendar month of Bhadrapada. In 2026, devotees eagerly observing this auspicious vrata are greeted with slight calendar variations regarding the exact date of observance. Following the traditional adherence to Udaya Tithi (sunrise tithi) to determine ritual fasting and celebrations, Radha Ashtami will be formally celebrated on Saturday, September 19, 2026, bringing immense spiritual joy and blessings of Lord Krishna's divine consort to households nationwide.

Detailed Tithi Timings and Auspicious Choghadiya Muhurtas for Radha Ashtami 2026

According to Vedic calculations and the Hindu calendar, the Bhadrapada Shukla Paksha Ashtami tithi begins on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 1:02 PM. The tithi continues through the night and concludes the following day on Saturday, September 19, at 3:28 PM. Because the Ashtami tithi prevails during sunrise on Saturday, September 19, Udaya Tithi rules mandate that the fast and formal worship be conducted on this day. To maximize spiritual benefits, astrologers have highlighted four highly auspicious Choghadiya Muhurtas for performing puja: the Shubh Choghadiya from 7:39 AM to 9:11 AM, the Labh Choghadiya from 1:46 PM to 3:18 PM, the Amrit Choghadiya from 3:18 PM to 4:50 PM, and the evening Labh Choghadiya from 6:22 PM to 7:50 PM.

Step-by-Step Puja Rituals and Offering Traditions for Radharani

Observing the Radha Ashtami fast requires strict adherence to traditional Vedic rituals. Devotees should wake up during Brahma Muhurta, take a purifying bath, wear clean garments, and offer morning water (arghya) to the Sun God while taking a solemn vow to observe the fast. In the home temple or worship space, spread a yellow cloth on a clean wooden platform and enthrone idols or images of Shri Radharani alongside Lord Krishna. Purify the altar with holy Ganga water, followed by traditional offerings including sandalwood paste, fresh flowers, red vermilion, roli, incense sticks, and oil lamps. According to scriptural guidelines, Radharani is ideally worshipped during the afternoon hours. Traditional bhog items such as sweet rice pudding (kheer) and taro (arbi / colocasia) dishes should be offered, accompanied by dedicated chanting of Radha mantras.

Fasting Guidelines, Charity, and Fulfilling Vrata Obligations

The sanctity of Radha Ashtami fasting extends beyond daily prayers and chanting. Devotees observing the daylong fast partake in a single meal or satvik food regimen, concluding their vrata on the following day after feeding Brahmins, offering them food and monetary alms, and donating traditional items of solah shringar (auspicious cosmetics and clothing) to married women. Scriptural belief dictates that true devotion to Radharani effortlessly invokes the grace and compassion of Lord Krishna, bringing eternal peace, prosperity, and spiritual fulfillment to every household.

Previous Post

Shiva Puja Rules: Why You Should Avoid Green Clothes and Tulsi This Monday

Next Post

5 Powerful Truths from the Bhagavad Gita That Offer a New Direction and Ultimate Peace