September 7, 2019
Radhashtmi is celebrated on the 8th day of the bright fortnight (Shukla paksha ashtmi) in the month of Badhra (August- September). It is a very significant festival of the devotees. Radha Rani is the mother of the entire universe and on this auspicious day, devotees pray to her to bless them with Krishna bhakti.
On this auspicious occasion, the Deities of Shree Radha Krishnachandra are adorned with a new dress. The alter is decorated with brilliant, colourful flowers which spread their fragrance everywhere.
In the evening, the utsava Deities os Shree Radha Krishnachandra receive a splendid abhisheka. Devotees perform kirtans and glorify Srimati Radharani by singing wonderful songs composed by Vaishnavas Acharyas. 100 of devotees visit the temple to witness the celebrations. The Deities are bathed with milk, curd, ghee, honey and jaggery water followed by juices from varieties of fruits like muskmelon, apple, watermelon, pineapple, pomegranate, orange, sweet limes, papaya, grapes, etc. An elaborated arti is performed as the devotees sing Shri Radhikastava. After the aarti, the Deities are bathed with sanctified water from 108 kalash. This is followed by showering with different kind of flowers. After the Abhiseka, Chappan bhog (56 variety of delicious food is prepared) which is offered to Shri Radha Krishnachandra.
The celebration concludes with the grand shayana arti. Devotees sing Radhikastaka, a special song composed by Srila Rupa Gosvami and are followed by grand pallakki utsava.