Radha Ashtami, also called Radhashtami, is the festival celebrating the birth anniversary of Goddess Radha, the consort of Lord Krishna and the epitome of divine love. It falls on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Shukla Paksha in the Bhadrapada month, as per the Hindu schedule. This holy festival occurs exactly fifteen days after Janmashtami. This year, it falls on September 11, 2024. Devotees honour Radha’s unwavering commitment and love for Krishna through worship, fasting, and devotional songs.This auspicious day is believed to bring positive energy, eliminate negativity, and usher in prosperity for all who honour it. Goddess Radha represents devotion, purity, and the eternal bond of love. She is often regarded as the embodiment of bhakti (devotion), and her love for Krishna serves as an inspiration for devotees to seek closeness with God through devotion and love. Radha Ashtami is particularly revered in Vrindavan, Mathura, and Barsana, where large gatherings of devotees come together to celebrate with enthusiasm and fervor.Many devotees observe a fast on Radha Ashtami, consuming only fruits, milk, or water throughout the day. The fast is broken after the evening aarti or after seeing the moon. The belief is that fasting on this day brings peace, devotion, and spiritual fulfillment. Devotees recite various prayers dedicated to Radha and Krishna, especially the Radha Ashtami Vrat Katha, which narrates the divine birth and life. Devotees offer flowers, fruits, sweets, and milk to Radha Rani.