Радхаштами: Празднование Дня Рождения Богини Радхи

Hindu festival commemorating birthday of goddess Radha

Radhashtami is a Hindu religious day commemorating the birth anniversary of the goddess Radha, the chief consort of the god Krishna. It is celebrated in her birthplace Barsana and the entire Braj region on the eighth day (ashtami) of the bright (waxing) half of the lunar month of Bhadrapada (August September). Radhashtami falls fifteen days after Krishna Janmashtami.

The Chapter 7 of Bhumi Khanda of the Sanskrit scripture Padma Purana (Volume 5) provides the detailed information and rituals related to the festival of Radhashtami. In the Viṣṇu Khaṇḍa of the Skanda Purana, it is mentioned that God Krishna had 16,000 gopis out of which Goddess Radha was the most prominent one. Goddess Radha was found on the golden lotus in the pond by king Vrishabhanu and his wife Kirtida. As per folktales, Radha did not open her eyes to see the world until Krishna himself appeared in front of her.

Radhashtami is celebrated in various temples associated with traditions Radha Vallabh Sampradaya, Gaudiya Vaishnavism, Nimbarka Sampradaya, Pushtimarg and Haridasi Sampradaya. In the Radha Vallabh Temple, Vrindavan and Seva kunj, celebrations last for nine days. Rituals involve organizing a procession of Radha and Krishna, distribution of food and clothes, music and dance. Radhashtami is ceremoniously celebrated in the Braj area. On Radhashtami, Radha Krishna idols are traditionally dressed entirely in flowers. Additionally, Radhashtami is the only day on which devotees may receive darshan (viewing) of Radha's feet. On all other days, they remain covered. The mantras which are chanted on Radhashtami are: Aum Vrashbahnujaye Vidmahe, Krishnapriyaye Dheemahi Tanno Radha Prachodaya and Radhe Radhe.

Radhashtami is particularly important for the holy pilgrimage to Manimahesh Lake, called Manimahesh Yatra, which is sponsored by the Government of Himachal Pradesh. It is preceded by the "holy chhari", (holy stick carried by the pilgrims on their shoulders). The pilgrims barefooted, singing and dancing to the hymns of God Shiva, undertake this trek of 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) from the nearest road point of Hadsar, to the Manimahesh Lake. The Manimahesh Yatra that starts from Krishna Janmashtami, ends after fifteen days with Radhashtami.