Radhashtami 2026

Friday, September 18, 2026 — from 5:00 pm

The appearance day of Srimati Radharani, the supreme devotee and beloved of Lord Krishna, who embodies the purest form of divine love.

Program Schedule

Sponsorship Opportunities

To sponsor, donate online using the link below, or send your contribution by Zelle to [email protected].

For additional information

Sumangala — (630) 935 5747
Sangeeta — (630) 862 6383
Sanatan Prema — (630) 890 2790

About Radhashtami

Radhashtami celebrates the appearance day of Srimati Radharani, the eternal consort of Lord Krishna and the foremost of all His devotees. It falls on the eighth day of the waxing moon in the month of Bhadra, a fortnight after Sri Krishna Janmashtami. Devotees cherish that sequence: Krishna appears first, and His festival is complete only when His most beloved devotee appears too.

Who is Srimati Radharani?

In the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, Radharani is understood as Krishna’s own pleasure potency in person — His internal energy of love, appearing as a separate individual so that love can be exchanged. She appeared in Barsana, near Vrindavan, as the daughter of King Vrishabhanu and his wife Kirtida.

If Krishna is the object of all love, Radharani is love itself. Every quality a devotee might aspire to — humility, constancy, selflessness, complete absorption in the Lord — is found in Her perfectly and without effort. This is why devotees approach Krishna through Her mercy rather than on the strength of their own practice, and why the tradition says that She is far quicker to bestow Her grace than Krishna Himself.

Why this festival is special at our temple

Our presiding deities are Sri Sri Radha Shyamasundara, and the temple carries Radharani’s name. Radhashtami is therefore the most personal of all our annual festivals — it is the appearance day of the Lady of the house, and the whole community comes together to serve Her.

How the festival is observed

Many devotees keep a partial fast until noon. The celebration itself centres on the abhishek, a ceremonial bathing of the deities with milk, honey, yoghurt and fragrant waters, followed by arati, kirtan and a discourse on Radharani’s glories. She is dressed in a new outfit and offered garlands of fresh flowers and Tulsi leaves, and bhajans in Her praise continue through the evening. A festival feast is offered to the deities and then served to everyone present.

Families traditionally take part by sponsoring an element of the worship — the feast, the raj bhoga offering, the decorations, the garlands or the flower and Tulsi offering. Sponsorship is a way of participating in the service, not a ticket; everyone is welcome whether or not they sponsor.

Coming for the first time?

You are very welcome, whatever your background or familiarity with the tradition. There is no charge to attend and no obligation to take part in anything you are not comfortable with — you are warmly welcome simply to sit, listen to the kirtan and honour prasadam with us. Modest clothing is appreciated, and shoes are removed at the entrance.

The temple is at 1505 McDowell Road, Naperville, IL 60563. If you need any help on the day, please call (630) 608-0209.

Past Celebrations

A look back at how Radhashtami has been celebrated at the temple in previous years — photographs, short write-ups and videos from the community.