Radha Ashtami 2020: Significance, celebration & foods to eat

Radha Ashtami 2020 is being celebrated across India on August 26. It commemorates the birth anniversary of ‘Shri Radha Rani’. It is a Hindu festival that is celebrated with a lot of zeal and fervour. According to the Hindu calendar, the day falls on the Ashtami (eighth day) of the Shukla paksha during the Bhadrapada month. Radha Ashtami, also known as Radha Jayanti or Radhashtami revers the love and bond between Lord Krishna and Radha Rani. It is said that the puja of Lord Krishna is not complete without praying Radha. Therefore, on this day, the devotees wake up before the sunrise and spend the day worshipping Radha Rani and observing a fast.

Radha Rani is regarded as the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. Radha Ashtami is observed 15 days after Janmashtami, that marks the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna. According to the legend, Radha Rani was found resting on a lotus leaf. She was noticed by a childless couple Vrishbhanu and Keerti, who chose to adopt her. It is also said that Radha Rani did not open her eyes until Lord Krishna came before her. As per Hindu literature, Radha Rani is considered to be the ‘spiritual force’ of Lord Krishna. Whoever worships her along with Lord Krishna, gains accomplishment and happiness.

Radha Ashtami is celebrated with grandeur and excitement in many northern states of India, especially in and around Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh. Devotees get up before sunrise and worship Radha Rani. They also observe fast and make foods that are believed to be cherished by Radha. Many women immerse Radha idols in Panchamrit that contains milk, jaggery, yoghurt, honey and ghee. Items meant for shringar or beautification are also offered to the goddess along with dhoop and prasad. Her idol is also dressed in new clothes and decorated with fresh flowers. The prasad offered as bhog is also later served to the family to receive the blessings of the goddess.

If you are observing fast to commemorate Radha Ashtami 2020, you can still eat some permitted food items. The fast is day long and can only be broken the next day. However, you can have buttermilk, coconut water and lemon water to keep your energy levels up. You can also have fresh fruits, raita, fruit kheer, jaggery, dates and nuts to satiate your hunger throughout the day. However, refrain from eating grains or other heavier food items during Radha Ashtami fast.