Traditional Radhashtami (Sanskrit: राधाष्टमी) is a Hindu religious day commemorating the birth anniversary of the goddess Radha, the chief consort of the god Krishna.
[4][5] It is celebrated in her birthplace Barsana and the entire Braj region on the eighth day (ashtami) of the bright (waxing) half of the lunar month of Bhadrapada (August - September).
[4][5] The festival of Radhashtami suggests that goddess Radha is significant aspect of the cultural-religious faith system, governing the social life of people.
[8] The Chapter 7 of Bhumi Khanda of the Sanskrit scripture Padma Purana (Volume 5) provides the detailed information and rituals related to the festival of Radhashtami.
In homes and temples, idol of goddess Radha is bathed with panchamitra - a combination of five different foodmixes of milk, ghee, honey, sugar and yogurt and then she is dressed in new attire.
The pilgrims barefooted, singing and dancing to the hymns of God Shiva, undertake this trek of 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) from the nearest road point of Hadsar,[16] to the Manimahesh Lake.