August 31, 2025: A Day of Devotion, Not a Public Holiday
New Delhi, August 31, 2025 - Today, millions of Hindus across the country are observing two significant religious festivals: Radha Ashtami and Durva Ashtami. While these occasions hold immense spiritual importance and are marked by a variety of rituals and fasting, it is important to note that they are not recognized as public holidays in India. Government offices, banks, and schools are operating as usual, and the observances are a matter of personal devotion rather than a nationwide day off.
This year, both festivals coincide on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Shukla Paksha—the bright half of the lunar month of Bhadrapada. The unique confluence of these two sacred dates makes today a particularly auspicious day for devotees.
Radha Ashtami: Celebrating the Divine Consort
Radha Ashtami is one of the most revered festivals, celebrated exactly 15 days after Krishna Janmashtami, which commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna. The day marks the birth anniversary of Goddess Radha, the divine consort of Shri Krishna and the embodiment of unconditional love and devotion. The festival is celebrated with great fervor, especially in the Braj region of Uttar Pradesh, which includes the holy towns of Mathura, Vrindavan, and Barsana—the birthplace of Radha Rani.
Devotees observe a fast on this day, which can range from a half-day fast until noon to a full-day, waterless fast, depending on individual tradition. The most auspicious time for worship, known as the Madhyahna Puja Muhurat, is from 11:05 a.m. to 1:38 p.m. During this period, special rituals are performed in temples and homes. Idols of Radha and Krishna are bathed in a ritual known as abhishekam using a mixture of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and other sacred ingredients. The idols are then adorned with new clothes, exquisite jewelry, and garlands of vibrant flowers.
In Barsana, the celebrations are particularly grand. Devotees participate in vibrant processions, sing bhajans (devotional songs), and listen to stories of Radha and Krishna's divine love. One of the unique traditions of this day is that it is the only time of the year when the feet of the Radha idol are visible to the public, as they are kept covered throughout the rest of the year.
Durva Ashtami: Honoring Durva Grass and Lord Ganesha
The second significant observance today is Durva Ashtami, a festival primarily celebrated in eastern India and West Bengal. This day is dedicated to the worship of Durva grass, which holds immense religious significance in Hinduism. According to ancient scriptures, Durva grass is revered as a sacred herb and is often associated with the Hindu Trinity and other deities.
Durva Ashtami is a day when devotees, particularly women, observe a fast and perform rituals for the longevity and well-being of their children. The puja involves offering a special bundle of Durva grass, along with flowers, rice, fruits, and incense, to Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva. The legend behind this festival is rooted in the story of Lord Ganesha being relieved from intense heat after sages offered him 21 bunches of Durva grass. This act is believed to have made Durva grass sacred and a favorite of the deity.
Since this year's Durva Ashtami falls during the ongoing Ganeshotsav, the festival holds even greater significance. Many devotees are combining their prayers and offerings, seeking blessings from both Lord Ganesha and the sacred Durva grass for peace, prosperity, and good health.
A Day of Personal Devotion
Despite not being a public holiday, both Radha Ashtami and Durva Ashtami are deeply meaningful for millions of believers. They are a testament to the rich and diverse tapestry of Hindu festivals that punctuate the Indian calendar. As people go about their daily lives today, they are also participating in acts of devotion, fasting, and prayer, keeping alive ancient traditions that continue to shape the spiritual landscape of the nation
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