Srimati Radha Rani appearance day know as Radha Astami, She appeared to Vrishabhanu Maharaj (her father) in the village of Rawal a fortnight after Krishna’s appearance. Traditionally, Followers of Gaudiya Vaisnavism will follow a half-day fast on this day. Like Ekadashi, some intense/dedicated devotees observe this fast for full day & some even without water. The holiday is an important holiday for followers of the Nimbarki sampradaya.
Radharani’s special qualification is that She is the best devotee of Krishna. Krishna therefore loves Her the most. On Her festival day, devotees seeking Krishna’s grace will especially ask Her to grant them devotion to Her beloved Lord, knowing that if they can attain Her favour, they can attain His as a natural consequence.
On Radhastami, Sri Sri Radha Krishna deities are traditionally dressed entirely in flowers. Sri Sri Radha Rasabihari are offered a new outfit in the morning and adorn a flower outfit in the evening.
The festivities on Radhastami includes darshan of Sri Sri Radha Rasabihari in new outfits, spiritual discourses, kirtans and bhajans, maha-abhishek, maha-arati and offering of hundreds of bhoga foodstuffs to Their Lordships.
Radha Astami http://t.co/zADFNFnfD2 via @puriwaves #festivals
— PURIWAVES (@PURIWAVES) September 12, 2013
