What is Bahulastami?
Bahulastami is the appearance day of Sri Radha Kunda, the holy pond of Srimati Radharani near Govardhana Hill. It falls on the eighth day of the waning moon in Kartika, the month of Lord Damodara. In 2026 it is Monday, 2 November.
Significance
After Lord Krishna killed the demon Arishtasura, who had come in the form of a bull, the gopis playfully told Him He was impure and must bathe in all the holy rivers. Krishna struck the ground with His heel and the sacred rivers appeared in Shyama Kunda. Srimati Radharani and the gopis then dug their own pond, and all the rivers entered it by Her permission.
Krishna declared that this pond was as dear to Him as Radharani Herself. Srila Rupa Gosvami, one of the six Gosvamis of Vrindavana, praises it as supreme among all holy places.
the superexcellent Śrī Rādhā-kuṇḍa stands supreme, for it is overflooded with the ambrosial nectarean prema of the Lord of Gokula, Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
Nectar of Instruction 9
How to observe it
At Radha Kunda in Vrindavana, devotees offer prasada, garlands and pumpkins into the water at midnight, the hour of its appearance, and bathe there. Wherever you are, hear this pastime, chant the holy names and pray for the mercy of Srimati Radharani.
Questions
When is Bahulastami in 2026?
Bahulastami is on Monday, 2 November 2026, the eighth day of the waning moon in Kartika.
What is Bahulastami?
It is the appearance day of Sri Radha Kunda, the sacred pond made by Srimati Radharani and the gopis near Govardhana Hill.
Why do devotees bathe in Radha Kunda at midnight?
Radha Kunda is said to have appeared at midnight, so devotees bathe at that hour on Bahulastami. Bathing in Radha Kunda is especially beneficial on this day.
Reviewed by ISKCON Kurukshetra · Updated
Key facts
- Date
- Monday, 2 November 2026
- Place
- Radha Kunda, Vrindavana
- Month
- Kartika (Damodara month)
Seva for this day
Feed devotees and visitors on this holy day, or begin the Bhagavad-gita course with us.