The Ashtami of Bhadrapad Krishna Paksha is called the Krishna Janmashtami. And, the Ashtami of Bhadrapad Shukla Paksha is called Radha Ashtami. In the year 2011, Radha Ashtami is celebrated 5th September. This day, fast of Mahalakshmi is also started. 

It is believed, the person who worships Radha, always has the grace of lord Krishna. According to Bhagavad Gita, lord Krishna is the only God and all others are just a mere fraction of him. The fast of Radha Ashtami is observed on Ashtami of Badrapad Shukla Paksha.

Radha was born on this day. Hence, this day is celebrated as the birthday of Radha. Radha-Krishna are worshipped specially, on this day. And, Radha is made to have bath with Panchamrit. Fasting and worshipping, on this day, removes all sorts of sins. And, person observing fast receives happiness in this Lok and heaven.
Radha Ashtami Birth Place:Raval(Vrindavan)

In all the parts of India, lord Krishna is worshipped in some or the other form. Lord Krishna has many incarnations. He was married to 16000 Gopies. But, Krishna had affection only with Radha. Radha was born in the village named Rava( Vrindavan) of Uttar Pradesh. The day of Radha Ashtami is celebrated as religious festival. Festival and fast, both fall on this day.Hence, an environment of happiness and faith is created.  

A lot of enthusiasm and excitement can be seen in, Vrindavan, as it is the birth place of Radha. On this occasion, many fairs are organised here. And, cultural programs are organised. Pleasing Bhajan and Kirtans are performed.

According to Maharishi Ved Vyas, Radha was the soul of lord Krishna. Radha used to reside in the heart of lord Krishna. She was the beloved of Krishna. Radha is considered an invocation for lord Brahma and Shiva as well.
Radha Birth Story

There is a mythological saga in reference to the birth of Radha. Once Vrishbhanu, father of Radha, was passing near the Sarovar on Ashtami of Bhardapad Shukla Paksha. He found a baby girl floating on a lotus. He adopted the girl in form of his daughter. It is said, Radha was 11 months older then Krishna. From childhood itself, she was a unique devotee of lord Krishna.

Since, hundreds of years, birthday of Radha is celebrated with great enthusiasm in the Brahmagiri temple of Barsana. A spiritual Mela is organised here, from Bhadrapada Ekadashi to Bhadrapada Chaturdashi. Other places linked with Radha Krishna,also, organise this fair.

Apart from Barsana, Radha Ashtami is celebrated with full joy in Vrindavan. Songs and dance are performed in occasion of Radha Rani’s birthday. The city resembles the beauty of a bride, on this day. The temple of Radha, in Barsana, is decorated with flowers. Bhog of Ladoos are offered to Radaha. Chappan Bhog is prepared and Navedy is offered to Radha. After Bhog, the Prasaad is given to peacocks.