The idols of Lord Krishna and Radha decorated with flowers on the occasion of Radhashtami at Hare Krishna Vaikuntam at Gambheeram, on the outskirts of Visakhapatnam, on Sunday
The Hare Krishna Movement celebrated Sri Radhashtami at Hare Krishna Vaikuntham in Gambheeram, on the outskirts of the city, on Sunday.
Radhashtami falls on the eighth day of the bright half of the Bhadrapada month, 15 days after Sri Krishna Janmashtami. The festival is considered an auspicious occasion for worshipping Radha, who is regarded as the internal spiritual energy (Shakti) of Lord Krishna and one of the supreme divine powers, according to a statement by Yadu Raja Das.
Competitions in floral decorations were held in two categories: one for boys and girls aged 12 to 16 years, and the other for women aged 16 years and above. A total of 112 participants took part, creating garlands and bouquets based on Janmashtami and Radhashtami themes with great enthusiasm.
The first prize of â‚ą50,000 went to Jayanthi Devi Dasi, the second prize of â‚ą40,000 to K. Jayalakshmi, and the third prize of â‚ą25,000 to K. Sudha. Three consolation prizes were also awarded. The prizes were distributed by Nishkrinchina Bhakta Dasa, president of the Hare Krishna Movement, Visakhapatnam.
Other events during Radhashtami included a grand procession at 11 a.m., where the idols of Sri Radha Madhana Mohan were carried on a palanquin, accompanied by devotional singing.
The ceremonial bathing of the idols was performed with sacred waters from seven holy rivers—Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Saraswati, Narmada, Sindhu, and Kaveri—using 108 sanctified water pots, various fruit juices, Panchamritam, Panchagavya, and different flowers, while Vedic chants filled the atmosphere.
Nishkrinchina Bhakta Dasa also explained the significance of Sri Radha Rani to the devotees. The programme concluded with the distribution of prasadam.
Published – August 31, 2025 08:49 pm IST
