Radha Ashtami 2026: Date and auspicious puja timings

Radha Ashtami, the celebration of the appearance day of Radha Rani, will be observed on Saturday, September 19, 2026. The festival occurs during the Shukla Paksha of the Bhadrapada month, falling 15 days after Krishna Janmashtami.

According to the Panchang, the Ashtami Tithi begins at 1:00 PM on September 18 and concludes at 3:26 PM on September 19. The most auspicious time for performing puja, known as the Madhyahna Puja Muhurat, is expected to be between 11:01 AM and 1:45 PM on September 19, coinciding with the midday time when Radha Rani is believed to have appeared.

Devotees observe the day through fasting, singing bhajans, and performing rituals such as Abhishekam, where idols are bathed with milk, honey, and curd. Celebrations are particularly significant in the Braj region, including Barsana, Vrindavan, Mathura, and Nandgaon.