RADHASTAMI

Srimati Radharani is the feminine counterpart of Lord Krishna, His incarnation of love and compassion. Only by Her merciful sidelong glance can we get the blessings of Krishna.

A two-part celebration usually takes place at two locations in New Vrindaban: at Radha Kund, Govardhana Hill, at noon; and at the Radha Vrindaban Chandra Temple in the evening. After the morning program and darshan of Sri Sri Radha Vrindaban Chandra in their new outfits, the noon festival begins with bhajans and kirtan at the Radha Gopinath Temple at Radha Kunda. Thereafter, Srimati Radharani’s pastimes and qualities are extolled, and a lunch feast is served. Then a special evening celebration further increases everyone’s absorption in Sri Radha’s qualities and pastimes. We offer balloons with names of Radha at the lotus feet of the Queen of Vrindavan together with our wishes and prayers. Each person also offers a rose, ghee wick, and incense to Srimati Radharani—a precious opportunity to receive her blessings and shelter.