In the Braj and Vaishnava traditions, Radha Rani is revered not merely as a goddess but as the 'power that resides in the heart' (*hriday-vahini shakti*) of Lord Krishna; she is the embodiment of love and compassion.

As is the annual custom, the festival of Radha Ashtami 2026 will be celebrated on the *Ashtami* (eighth day) of the *Shukla Paksha* (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Bhadrapada—specifically, on Saturday, September 19, 2026. It is believed that Radha Rani was born fifteen days after the birth of Lord Krishna.

On the sacred occasion of Radha Ashtami, a *Maha-Abhishek* (grand ceremonial bath) using water and *Panchamrit* is performed for her in temples across the country. Following this, devotees are granted *darshan* of 'Ladli Ji' (Radha Rani), allowing them to behold her complete, transcendental, and divine form. However, while performing the *Abhishek* on Radha Ashtami, people often—knowingly or unknowingly—commit certain errors that are considered forbidden according to the scriptures.

**Mistakes to avoid while performing Radha Rani's *Abhishek***
The *Abhishek* of Radha Rani is never performed in public view. Consequently, recording videos, taking photographs, or creating reels of the ritual is considered inappropriate from the perspectives of both *Seva* (devotional service) and *Dharma* (religious propriety).

At the Radha Raman Temple in Vrindavan, while the *Jal-Abhishek* (ceremonial bath with water) of Radha Raman Lal Ji takes place openly before everyone on Janmashtami, the *Abhishek* on Radha Ashtami is performed behind a curtain. The *Gosai* priests conduct the ritual imbued with the divine *Sakhi-Manjari* sentiment—adopting the persona of a divine *Sakhi* (female companion) of Shri Radha Rani—to perform the sacred bathing ceremony.

If you wish to perform a public *Abhishek* of 'Shri Ji' (Radha Rani) on Radha Ashtami, performing a *Pushpa-Abhishek* (floral offering/bath) is appropriate. Offering flowers over Radha Rani by hand in a public setting is considered acceptable; however, performing the *Abhishek* with water and *Panchamrit* in public is not permitted.

**Auspicious timing for Radha Rani's *Abhishek***
This year, the festival of Radha Ashtami will be celebrated on Saturday, September 19, 2026. The *Ashtami Tithi* (eighth lunar day) will begin around 1:00 PM on Friday, September 18, and conclude around 3:26 PM the following day, September 19.

Consequently, the most auspicious time for performing *Puja* and *Abhishek* on September 19 is between 11:00 AM and 1:28 PM. However, slight variations in timing may occur depending on the location.

If you have metal idols of Radha and Krishna, perform the *Abhishek* using *Panchamrit* followed by water. If you have a picture or image instead of an idol, do not perform a liquid *Abhishek*; instead, offer flowers. After the *Abhishek*, dress Radha Rani and Shri Krishna in new attire and adorn them with fragrant flowers.

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