Today marks Radhashtami, the auspicious birth anniversary of Shri Radha, celebrated on the eighth day (Ashtami) of Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrava. According to Puranic lore, Shri Radha originated from the right side of Lord Krishna.
Mythology recounts that the Sun God (Surya Dev) performed severe penance on Mount Mandara. When Sri Hari appeared to grant a boon, the Sun God requested a virtuous maiden as his wife, with Krishna Himself forever devoted to her.
Fulfilling this, the Sun God incarnated as Vrishabhanu and married Kirtida. On Bhadrava Shukla Ashtami under the Vishakha Nakshatra, Shri Radha was born to them.
Though later married to a cowherd named Chandrasena, Radha engaged in the divine Raas-Vihar with Sri Krishna, recognizing Him as the Supreme Being.
Vaishnavas observe the Radhashtami vrata and recite its sacred katha, believing that worshiping Radha brings the effortless grace of Lord Krishna. In Odisha, these vibrant celebrations are observed with deep devotion at the Srimandir and the Sakshi Gopal Temple.