Varamahalakshmi Festival 2023

We all love festivals, and some of our fondest memories are created during these festivities. The love of festivals and celebrations is the very fiber of Indian culture and heritage. With this being said, India is a land of diverse festivals, and one such festival is the Varamahalakshmi or  Varalakshmi Vratham.

The Varalakshmi Vratham is a popular festival mainly celebrated in the southern states of India, like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Naidu. Varalakshmi Vratham 2023 is to be celebrated on 25 August. But have you ever wondered why this festival is celebrated? Well, Varalakshmi Pooja is held in honour of the goddess Lakshmi. Another fascinating fact about this festival is that most married women follow the Varalakshmi Vratam to seek the blessings of Varalakshmi, a manifestation of the goddess Lakshmi.

To know more about such interesting facts and rituals of the Varalakshmi Vratam, continue to read this blog. Celebrate this Varalakshmi Vratam with your family and friends!

When is Varamahalakshmi Celebrated?

The Varamahalakshmi festival is celebrated in the “Sraavan” month of the Hindu calendar.  Varamahalakshmi festival 2023 date, according to the western calendar, is 25 August 2023. The second Friday of Shravan month, or the Friday shortly before Poornima (full moon), is when Varalakshmi Vratam is observed. It is referred to as the  Aadi month in the Tamil calendar.

One of the fascinating things to note is that there is a specific timing, called “Muhurat”, when the Varalakshmi pooja should be performed to ensure eternal prosperity. The Lakshmi pooja muhurta to gain the benefits of Varalakshmi Vratham is provided below:

• Muhurat for Simha Lagna pooja is from August 25, 2023, 5:55 am to 7:40 am.

• Muhurat for the Vrishchika Lagna pooja is from August 25, 2023, 12:14 pm to 2:32 pm.

• Muhurat for Kumbha Lagna pooja is from August 25, 2023, 6:19 pm to 7:48 pm.

• The Vrishabha Lagna pooja Muhurat on August 25, 2023, from 10:50 pm to 12:46 pm.

Rituals of the Varalakshmi Vratam

As discussed, the Varamahalakshmi festival 2023 will be celebrated on 25 August. But do you know the rituals that are involved in the Varamahalakshmi festival? If not, do not worry. Let us look at the rituals involved in the Varamahalakshmi festival. Remember, these rituals hold a lot of cultural significance.

Varamahalakshmi Decorations

The Varalakshmi Vratam preparations begin on Thursday, the day before the festival is observed. On this day, all of the necessary components are assembled. On the day of the festival, devotees wake up early, especially before daylight, and get ready. One important and beautiful ritual followed is drawing a lovely "kolam" (rangoli) at the place of pooja.

The "Kalasha" must be prepared in the following phase. A Kalsha is a pot made of bronze or silver. It is scrubbed thoroughly and covered with sandalwood paste. The Kalasha is then inscribed with the "swastika" sign. After that, the Kalasha is filled with five various types of leaves, one lime, coins, beetle nuts, and uncooked rice. The goods that are used to fill the "Kalasham" pot vary depending on the locale. In some regions, the pot may also be filled with turmeric, black beads, a mirror, tiny black bangles, or a comb.

The Kalasha is then covered with mango leaves, and the neck is wrapped with a fresh piece of fabric. At last,  Kalasha is covered with a coconut daubed with turmeric. A depiction of Goddess Lakshmi is adhered to or painted on the coconut using turmeric powder. The goddess Varalakshmi, now represented by the Kalsah placed on the mound of rice, is worshipped. 

Varamahalakshmi Flower Decorations 

Varamahalakshmi festival is marked by its exquisite flower decorations that add a vibrant touch to homes and puja spaces. Elaborate floral arrangements of marigolds, roses, jasmine, and other blooms adorn the surroundings, creating an atmosphere of reverence and celebration. These intricate designs embellish the altar, entrances, and even doorsteps, invoking a sense of divine presence. The fragrant flowers symbolize purity, prosperity, and auspiciousness, aligning perfectly with the festival's spirit. As families come together to seek blessings and offer prayers. The visual beauty of these flower decorations enhances the joy and sanctity of the occasion.

Varamajhalakshmi Pooja

The pooja begins with the worship of Lord Ganesha. Pongal is served as a prasad in the southern states. The Kalasha is then subjected to aarti.

Women who follow the Varalakshmi Vrat generally do not eat for the day. However, this differs from place to place, as some devotees may fast till the conclusion of the pooja. The devotees disassemble the Kalasha used for pooja on Saturday, the day following pooja. The water from the Kalasha is used to hydrate the entire home, and any used rice is combined with the rice that has been kept there.

Significance of Varalakshmi Vratham

Varalaksmi Vratam's primary goal is to give sincere prayers to Goddess Lakshmi. In Hindu mythology, the goddess Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth and prosperity.  Although there are rituals that have been traditionally followed as a part of Varalakshmi Vratham celebrations one should primarily focus on the mindfulness and spirituality of the festival. Almost all the festivals help us bond with our family and friends, one must take some time to understand this fact. The most key significance of any festival is the time spent with the family.

According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Lakshmi is the patron deity of fertility, generosity, light, knowledge, money, and fortune. The ladies ask the Goddess for her blessings on healthy offspring and long life for their respective husbands. Women celebrate Varalakshmi Vratam, which is predominantly a celebration for women.

An Ending Note!

Varalakshmi Vratam is a celebration of peace and prosperity but above all this festival and its rituals bring families together. This Varalakshmi Vratam spend time with your mothers, sister and other family members. Learn the amazing mythological stories and the cultural heritage of India. Make sure to help family members in the pooja preparations and rituals. We have provided the gist or the summary of the rituals followed, do follow it and cherish this important day.

Happy Varalamahalakshmi!