Mangaluru: Hundreds of married women visited temples to offer their prayers and invoke the blessings of Mahalakshmi(the goddess of wealth) for healthy progeny, as well as the health and long life of the husband on the auspicious occasion of Varamahalakshmi.
Vratha is observed on a Friday that falls before the full Moon day of the month of Shravanamasa (August – September). On the day of the vratha women have a bath early morning and place the kalasha, filled with rice and topped with fresh mango leaves, a coconut and cloth are placed on the mandala .
The goddess is invoked by decorating the sacred Kalasa with flowers, jewellery, vastra (new clothes – saree) fruits, dry fruits, fresh grains, sweets and savouries. Some place coins, or rupee notes or make a garland of notes.
The Vratha is performed beginning with the puja to Lord Ganesha where after the main worship of Varalakshmi begins. After the puja, the raksha is worshiped and tied to the right hand of the woman. Articles are given as charity to sumangalis (married woman).
In South India, savouries like obattu, kosumbari, puliyogare, huli anna, hesaru bele payasa are made on this festival.
