Mangaluru : Varamahalakshmi Vrata is a festival to propitiate the goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu, one of the Hindu Trinity. Varalakshmi is one who grants boons (Vara). It is an important pooja performed by many women in Dakshina kannada and Udupi on Friday, August 4.

The Hindu festival going by the name ‘Vara maha Lakshmi Vrata’ is celebrated on the Second Friday or the Friday before full moon day – Poornima in the month of Shravana, which corresponds to the Gregorian months of July–August.

Varamahalakshmi Vrata is performed by married woman for the well being of all the family members, especially husband, to get progeny etc. It is believed that worshiping Goddess Varalakshmi on this day is equivalent to worshiping Ashtalaksmi – the eight goddesses of Wealth, Earth, Learning, Love, Fame, Peace, Pleasure, and Strength. Because of the popularity in some states of India.

Special poojas were held in temples dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi in Mangalore such as Mangaladevi, Kateel Durgaparameshwari, Boloor Mariyamma Temple. All the Devi temples in Mangaluru and Udupi districts offered special ceremonies of worship.

Large number of married women visited the temple wearing grand saree, gold orgnaments and offer puja by reciting the hymns while sprinkling the pinch of ‘Kumkum’ (Vermillion Powder) to the lamp placed in the centre of a group. This is performed by married women for the longevity of their husband.

Women usually visit their neighbours and relatives to exchange sweets, flowers, and Prasadam. There are some ardent devotees who organize elaborate oblations, invite hundreds of women, and arrange feast for the visitors on this day.