Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Aug 8: Varamahalakshmi Vrata is observed on a Friday that falls just before the full moon day of Shravana month as per Hindu calendar, which usually falls during August-September. This year, Varamahalakshmi Vrata falls on August 8.

This is an opportunity to invoke blessings of the Goddess in profusion, as it is believed that she happens to be at her benevolent best on this day. Goddess Mahalakshmi is also worshipped for healthy progeny in addition to good health and prosperity of husband, by married women.

Early in the morning, women create a rangoli at the chosen spot preferably near the puja room of the house by using either coloured chalks or powder. A pitcher (Kalasha) made of silver, copper, or brass is placed at the centre of this rangoli. The Kalasha is filled with rice and the neck of the pitcher is decorated with mango leaves. A coconut covered with new sari or cloth is then placed on the mouth of the pitcher and prayers are then offered for Goddess Lakshmi to invoke her presence in the form of this pitcher.

Some also use either the idol of the Goddess or a small face of the Goddess Lakshmi carved out of gold or silver for the purpose.

The pitcher is also decorated with the help of flowers, jewellery, fruits, dry fruits, fresh grains, etc. Some also put coins or currency notes, or make a garland of currency notes to decorate the pitcher. Worship of the Goddess begins after offering initial prayers to Lord Ganapati. A thread dipped in Haldi or Kumkum water is then tied after offering prayers, to the right hand of the women worshippers. The occasion is also used to honour married women by presenting fruits,coconuts, betel leaves, areca nut etc, as they too represent Goddess Lakshmi.

Community puja is also organized at halls and temples to help women to come together and exchange good wishes and offerings. Some such places where the event is celebrated in the city are Urwa Marigudi, Radhakrishna Hall Urwa, and Samaj Bhavan, Mannagudda, it is gathered.

On this festival, delicacies like Obbattu, Huliyanna, Payasam etc are made by people of Karnataka. 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.