Varamahalakshmi Vratam or Varamahalakshmi Festival is one of the many significant Hindu festivals of South India. It is a highly regarded festival by the people, especially women of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Kerala. Varamahalakshmi Vratam is celebrated on the second Friday or the Friday before the full moon day in the auspicious month of Shravana.

According to the Hindu tradition, Goddess Lakshmi grants ‘vara’ or boon to women on this auspicious occasion upon dedicated worshipping. Goddess Lakshmi is regarded as the goddess for wealth and well-being. Following Varamahalakshmi Vratam, that is worshipping Goddess Lakshmi on this day is believed to be equal to worshipping eight forms of Varamahalakshmi including Wealth, Earth, Learning, Love, Fame, Peace, Pleasure and Strength.

Decoration 

If there is anything that is constant in Hindu festivals in Hindu tradition, it is the utmost significance given to decoration. The decoration of interiors, pooja room, Goddess Lakshmi idol and people’s attire.

Idol of Goddess Lakshmi 

The idol of Goddess Lakshmi is the most crucial element of Varamahalakshmi Vratam. Women of the house generally take charge of decorating the idol of Goddess Lakshmi. While some people use idols of Goddess Lakshmi, others use the face of the Goddess and place it in the puja room or a mantapa.

Puja Room Decoration 

Puja room decoration is a critical aspect of this day. Colors, flowers and bright lights are the representation of Hindu festivals. Some of the popular ways to decorate a puja room include drawing a huge rangoli on the floor in front of the puja room. You can also place an oil lamp in the center of the rangoli to give it a lively look. Use multiple vibrant colors to fill the rangoli.

Garlands 

A Varahamahalakshmi Vratam decoration is incomplete without garlands. Garlands made of colorful flowers are specially curated to style puja room, Goddess Lakshmi and the interiors of the house. Lotus flower however is the most widely used flower on this day.

Varamahalakshmi Vratam: Origin, Decoration and food (Image Credits: Google)

Food 

What comes to your mind when we say Hindu festivals? Sweets and delicacies. Sweets are an exigent factor of Varamahalakshmi Vratam. In fact, it is a highly regard ritual to offer sweets or prasadam to Goddess Lakshmi on this sacred day. Traditionally, on this day, dishes made without the use of onion and garlic are extensively offered to Goddess Lakshmi as Naivedya. Vada, flavors of rice, payasa, obbattu are some of the popularly served delicacies at the Varamahalakshmi festival.

Varamahalakshmi Vratam is one of the most important Hindu festivals in South India. In fact, this festival marks the beginning of the spree of Hindu festivals in India. JD Institute of Fashion Technology wishes everyone, a Happy Varamahalakshmi Vratam.

Varamahalakshmi Vratam: Origin, Decoration and food