According to the Vedic calendar, the *Ashtami* (eighth day) of the *Shukla Paksha* (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Bhadrapada holds great significance. Today, September 19, the festival of Radha Ashtami is being celebrated. Additionally, the 16-day *Mahalakshmi Vrat*—observed to please Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity—also begins today.

When two major festivals coincide on the same day, people often wonder how to perform the rituals for both simultaneously. In this article, we explain how to perform the worship for both *Mahalakshmi Vrat* and Radha Ashtami.

**Auspicious Time (*Shubh Muhurat*) for Radha Ashtami Puja**
The auspicious time is from 11:01 AM to 1:28 PM. You may perform the worship of Radha Ji at any time during this period.

**How ​​to Perform Radha Ashtami Puja?**
After bathing, take a solemn vow (*Sankalp*) to observe the *Mahalakshmi Vrat* and the Radha Ashtami fast. Offer *Arghya* (water oblation) to the Sun God.
Performing the Radha Ashtami puja in the morning or afternoon is considered auspicious.
Spread a cloth over a raised platform (*Chauki*) and place the idols of Shri Radha and Krishna upon it.
Bathe the idols with *Panchamrit* and dress them in beautiful attire.
Afterward, adorn *Kishori Ji* (Radha Rani) with ornaments and finery.
Light a lamp and perform *Aarti*.

Recite the *Radha Kripa Kataksha Stotram* and the associated legend (*Katha*).
**Auspicious Times for *Mahalakshmi Vrat* Puja**
Morning *Muhurat*: 4:57 AM to 6:08 AM
Second Auspicious *Muhurat*: 7:40 AM to 9:11 AM
Midday Auspicious *Muhurat*: 11:01 AM to 1:28 PM
You may perform the *Mahalakshmi Vrat* rituals and the *Kalash Sthapana* (installation of the sacred pot) during these auspicious times.

**Rituals for *Mahalakshmi Vrat* Puja**
Spread a red cloth on a raised platform, install the *Kalash*, and place the idol of Goddess Lakshmi.
Tie 16 knots in a cotton thread, dye it yellow using turmeric, and offer it to Goddess Lakshmi. Tie it around your right wrist after the worship.
Next, offer *roli* (vermilion), *akshat* (unbroken rice grains), and a lotus flower to Goddess Lakshmi.
Offer the sixteen items of *Shringar* (traditional adornments).
Light a lamp, perform the *Aarti* of Goddess Lakshmi, and recite the sacred story (*Katha*).
Make sure to chant mantras during the worship.
Offer these items as *Bhog* (sacred offering):
Offer *Peda* or *Panjiri* and fruits to Radha Rani; offer *Kheer* (rice pudding) or white sweets to Goddess Lakshmi.

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