Radha Ashtami 2026 Date, Time, Puja Muhurat and Barsana Preparations Explained

Radha Ashtami 2026: Date and Tithi Details

According to the Times of India, Radha Ashtami will be celebrated on September 19, 2026 (Saturday) source.

The Bhadrapada Shukla Ashtami Tithi begins on September 18, 2026 at 13:00 IST and ends on September 19, 2026 at 15:26 IST source.

Because the Tithi falls in the Madhyahna (midday) period on September 19, the main observance and vrat are held on that day source.

Puja Muhurat for New Delhi

The Madhyahna Puja Muhurat in New Delhi is from 11:01 AM to 1:28 PM IST on September 19, lasting about two hours and twenty‑seven minutes source.

Devotees outside Delhi should consult their local panchang for accurate timings, as muhurat varies with sunrise and sunset source.

Celebrations and Preparations in Barsana

Prokerala reports that the Uttar Pradesh government is making extensive preparations in Barsana to welcome nearly 25 lakh devotees on September 19, 2026 source.

Arrangements include seven security zones, 20 sectors, nearly 3,000 police personnel, 155 CCTV cameras and drones, 160 special buses operated by UPSRTC, 12 medical camps and measures to keep the fair plastic‑free source.

Why Some Sources Mention September 18

The Indian Panorama notes that the festival is observed on September 18 because the Ashtami Tithi starts on that day source.

However, the religious practice is to perform the puja when the Tithi falls in the Madhyahna period, which in 2026 occurs on September 19 source.

How to Observe the Fast and Puja

• Begin the day with a bath and wear clean clothes.
• Set up a clean worship space with an image or idol of Radha‑Krishna.
• Offer flowers, fruit, sweets and other vegetarian items.
• Perform the puja during the Madhyahna muhurat, focusing on devotion and surrender.
• Those observing a fast may follow a full‑day or single‑meal practice as per family tradition.