Mangalore: The 30th Sree Varamahaluxmi Vrata Puja (worship) was conducted today in Mangaladevi temple amid pomp, fanfare and excitement among married women, under the auspices of the parent body of Vishwa Hindu Parishat (VHP).

It was the second holy Friday of Shravana in the auspicious rainy month (but no rains intervened this morning). It is rare to behold this Vrata being observed on a Shukravara (Friday) enhancing its holiness and impact on married women, newly wed, and old ladies with husbands.

There are 8 Luxmi goddesses (like Mahaluxmi, Sowbhagya Luxmi, Vijaya Luxmi, Santhana Luxmi and so on) who are seated in grandeur with coluorful decoration of flowers and ornaments, also sweets as offerings before them.

Women prepare several dishes at home and lovingly offer them to the 8 Luxmi images in a row. They give flower offerings (Bagina) and varieties of food (Bhakshya-Bhojya) to these goddesses in their full splendour, seeking blessings and boons from the goddesses for each family. Married women worship their husbands on this day, as representing a God.

VHP Mahila wing member Premlatha Achar conducted the Aarathi (waving of lights) expressed her happiness to Mega Media in a talk after the event.

More Pictures