MATHURA, September 19: Radha Ashtami is being celebrated today across Barsana, Vrindavan, Mathura and other parts of the Braj region, with large numbers of devotees gathering at temples for darshan, abhishek, bhajan-kirtan and special religious ceremonies. The festival commemorates the appearance of Radha Rani, revered in Vaishnava traditions as the divine consort of Lord Krishna.
Lakhs of Devotees Gather in Barsana
Barsana, regarded by devotees as Radha Rani’s birthplace, has emerged as the main centre of today’s celebrations.
Large crowds from different parts of India and abroad have gathered at Shri Ji Temple, with devotees chanting “Radhe-Radhe” as they make their way through the temple town. Festive decorations, lighting and devotional singing began on the eve of Radha Ashtami and continued into Saturday.
The town’s streets, temple approaches and parikrama routes have been decorated for the occasion.
Special Events Across Vrindavan and Mathura
A series of religious programmes has also been scheduled across Vrindavan, Mathura and Radha Kund on September 19.
Events include a shobha yatra from the Radha Kund-Shyam Kund Sangam, special mah-abhishek ceremonies at Radha Damodar Temple, shringar and abhishek programmes, chhappan bhog offerings and an evening Radha Ashtami celebration at Vrindavan’s Chandrodaya Mandir.
Temples throughout the Braj region are holding devotional singing, aartis and special darshan throughout the day.
Heavy Security Deployed in Barsana
Authorities have introduced extensive crowd-control and security arrangements because of the expected influx of devotees.
The Radha Ashtami mela area in Barsana has been divided into seven zones and 20 sectors, while 155 CCTV cameras have been arranged for surveillance. Officials have also created 38 holding areas and 50 parking locations to manage crowds and traffic.
Police officers, magistrates and other personnel have been deployed at key locations, while barriers and designated routes are being used to regulate movement towards and away from the temple.
160 Buses Deployed for Devotees
The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation has also made additional transport arrangements for devotees travelling to Barsana.
Authorities prepared to operate around 160 buses on September 18 and 19, with another 40 buses kept in reserve depending on passenger demand.
Sanitation teams, medical assistance and traffic-management arrangements have also been strengthened around the main festival areas.
Radha Ashtami Falls on September 19 This Year
Radha Ashtami is observed on the Ashtami Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada.
In 2026, the Ashtami Tithi began at around 1 PM on September 18 and continues until approximately 3:26 PM on September 19, with September 19 being observed as the main festival day.
The principal Madhyahna worship period falls roughly between 11:30 AM and 1 PM, though exact timings can vary slightly depending on location.
Devotees Observe Fast and Offer Special Puja
Many devotees observe a fast on Radha Ashtami and perform special worship of Radha and Krishna.
Traditional observances include abhishek, floral decoration, bhog offerings, mantra chanting, bhajan-kirtan and aarti. In many Vaishnava traditions, devotees complete the main worship during the midday period before taking prasad.
The festival is especially prominent in Barsana, Vrindavan, Mathura and Nandgaon, where Radha-Krishna traditions form an important part of the region’s religious and cultural identity.
Braj Region Sees Major Festive Rush
With thousands of visitors moving between temples and pilgrimage centres, authorities have advised devotees to follow designated routes, parking instructions and crowd-control measures.
Celebrations are expected to continue through the day with temple ceremonies, devotional music and cultural programmes across the Braj region.
source – Times of India / Hindustan Times / Amar Ujala
Supreme News Network
