All the gopis in Vrindavan were the dear friends of Krishna. But amongst them, Radha was his favourite. She was the daughter of Vrishabhanu and Kamalavati of Barsana. She loved Krishna deeply and was very devoted to him. Krishna too loved her dearly. He had even tried to convince his parents to allow him to marry Radha. They did not allow him because Krishna was just a child at that time. Radha and Krishna were often found singing and dancing together. All other gopis were jealous of their deep affection for each other. Once on the festival of Holi, Krishna and his friends went to Barsana to smear colour on Radha. But her friends beat them up with lathis and chased them away. This act of beating with lathis became a playful tradition on Holi in Barsana and is still celebrated as Lathimaar Holi. When Krishna left for Mathura, Radha was deeply hurt. She earnestly waited for his return for many years. Krishna had told Radha that her name would always be taken before his and that is why we always say ‘Radhakrishna’ and never ‘Krishnaradha’. Radha’s birth is celebrated on Radha-Ashtami, fifteen days after the birthday of Krishna.
KRISHNA AND RADHA
