Radhashtami Fasting and Dietary Rules: The festival of Radhashtami will be celebrated with great fervor across the entire Braj region, including Barsana, on Saturday, September 19. Every year, the appearance day of Radha Rani is celebrated with enthusiasm exactly 15 days after Janmashtami—specifically on the *Ashtami* (eighth day) of the *Shukla Paksha* (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Bhadrapada.

On this day, devotees worship Radha-Krishna and observe a fast or consume only *Phalahar* (fasting-friendly foods) according to their devotion. It is believed that the fast of Krishna Janmashtami is considered complete only after observing the fast of Radhashtami. There are specific rules regarding *Phalahar* during the Radhashtami fast, and one should observe the fast while adhering to these guidelines. Let us find out what to do and what to avoid on Radhashtami...

Radhashtami Fast 2026
Start of *Ashtami Tithi*: September 18, around 1:00 PM
End of *Ashtami Tithi*: September 19, until 3:26 PM
Based on *Udaya Tithi* (the sunrise date), the Radhashtami fast will be observed on Saturday, September 19; the 16-day Mahalakshmi fast will also commence on this day.

What to do during the Radhashtami fast?
Wake up early in the morning, bathe, and wear clean clothes.
Clean the home shrine and worship Radha-Krishna.
Offer flowers, garlands, sandalwood paste, *kumkum* (vermilion), and items of adornment (*shringar*) to Radha Rani.
Take a vow to observe the fast or consume only *Phalahar* according to your tradition.
You may consume fruits, milk, curd, *makhana* (fox nuts), *sabudana* (sago), and dishes made from *kuttu* (buckwheat) or *singhara* (water chestnut) flour.

Keep consuming water and fluids as needed during the fast.
Listen to mantras, *bhajans* (devotional songs), and stories related to Radha-Krishna.
Donate food, fruits, or other items to the needy according to your capacity.
Perform *Aarti* of Radha-Krishna in the evening and break the fast according to tradition.

What not to do during the Radhashtami fast?

Do not consume grains, lentils, rice, or regular salt during the fast if these are prohibited in your fasting tradition.

Completely abstain from non-vegetarian food and alcohol. In many households, the consumption of onion and garlic is also avoided.

There is a religious belief that one should refrain from anger, arguments, abusive language, and negative behavior throughout the day.

Do not use stale or impure ingredients during the worship rituals.

Avoid consuming excessive amounts of deep-fried or overly sweet foods as part of the *falahar* (fasting diet).

If you are unwell, consult a medical professional before observing a strict fast without water (*nirjala vrat*).

What can be eaten during the fast?
Devotees observing the fast can generally consume fruits, milk, curd, fox nuts (*makhana*), sago (*sabudana*), and dishes made from water chestnut flour (*singhara*) or buckwheat flour (*kuttu*). Rock salt (*sendha namak*) is also used during many fasts. Keeping the body hydrated by consuming coconut water, milk, and adequate amounts of water is also beneficial. Dishes such as *sabudana khichdi*, *kuttu* flatbread (*roti*), *makhana kheer*, and other fasting-friendly foods can be consumed during the fast.

What should be avoided during the fast?
During the Radhashtami fast, common salt, wheat, rice, lentils (*dal*), chickpeas (*chana*), non-vegetarian food, and various types of grains are not consumed. Many people also abstain from onion and garlic. Be sure to check the ingredients of packaged fasting foods available in the market.

Significance of Radhashtami
According to religious belief, Radharani is the embodiment of love, devotion, and surrender. On Radhashtami, devotees observe a fast and worship Radha-Krishna with prescribed rituals. It is believed that worshipping Radharani fosters feelings of love and devotion in the devotee's heart. Radhashtami holds special significance in the traditions of the Braj region. On this day, Radharani is adorned beautifully in temples, and rituals such as *Abhishek* (ceremonial bathing), *Bhajan-Kirtan* (devotional singing), and *Aarti* are performed. A large number of devotees gather in Barsana to witness the special celebrations marking Radharani's birth anniversary.

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