Managalore : On Aug 12, the holy Sri Varamahalakshmi Vrata, mainly meant for married women and those girls engaged to get married, is celebrated with enthusiasm and endearment, on the Shravana Shukravara (Friday), made doubly significant and highly fruitful for a devout family. People go to nearest Temples in the morning of Friday.
People go out shopping on Thursday, to decorate Varamahalakshmi image or photo at home with flowers, mango leaves, fruits, coconut and plantains, prepare sweet dishes, and light up lamps at home as on Friday, when Goddess showers her wealth upon devotees who care for her.
The deity is married to Lord Vishnu, and she is known as “Shree” (wealth) as her prime boon, bestowed upon married woman in a household.
Then Vrata (vow) is taken by Sankalpa (readiness to do) and Dorabandhana (tying thread around the wrist or neck), and observed by fasting, until the Shodashopachara Puja (a worship done by 16 forms of courteous offerings) to the goddess is completed.
The methodical Puja is conducted either by women, or couples, or in a pandal erected for a larger audience with priests (attending to details) also in a decorated high place at home in one of the rooms kept apart for God.
Sweet dishes prepared to offer to the deity and later distributed to devotees and friends/relatives. It is a precious occasion, for householders.