Varalakshmi Vratam 2024: Significance, Date, and Celebrations, Importance, Pooja Rituals, Kalasha Decoration, Preparation and Fasting.

Varalakshmi Vratam is a widely celebrated festival in parts of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Observed on a Friday during the Shravana (July-August) Shukla Paksha, this year, Varalakshmi Vratam will be celebrated on 16th August 2024.

Significance of Varalakshmi Vratam

Varalakshmi Vratam is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the divine bestower of wealth, prosperity, courage, wisdom, and fertility. The word “Vara” translates to boons, symbolizing the blessings Goddess Lakshmi bestows upon her devotees. Married women particularly observe this fast, seeking blessings for their families and husbands. The ritual is believed to honor all eight manifestations of Goddess Lakshmi, bringing various favorable outcomes.

Benefits of Observing Varalakshmi Vratam

1. Dhanam (Monetary Benefits): Attracts financial prosperity and wealth.
2. Dhanyam (Abundance of Food and Grains): Ensures the abundance of food and grains.
3. Arokkyam (Good Health): Blessings for sound physical well-being.
4. Sampath (Wealth and Property): Aspiring for the accumulation of material assets.
5. Santhanam (Virtuous Offspring): Hoping for the birth of virtuous and healthy progeny.
6. Deerka Sumangali Bakkyam (Longevity of Husband): Wishing for the extended life of one’s spouse.
7. Veeram (Courage): Seeking inner strength and courage to face challenges.
8. Gaja Lakshmi (Freedom from Debts): Aspiring to be free from financial burdens.

Varalakshmi Vratam 2024 Date

• Date: Friday, 16th August 2024
• States: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra

How is Varalakshmi Vratam Celebrated?

Preparation and Fasting

1. Thursday: Married women fast from sunrise to sunset and make arrangements for the pooja.
2. Friday: Devotees wake up early, take a head bath before sunrise, clean the house, and decorate with rangoli and Kalasha.

Kalasha Decoration

• The Kalasha is coated with Chandan (sandalwood) paste and filled with items like raw rice, coins, turmeric, and leaves.
• A ‘Swastika’ symbol is drawn on the Kalasha.
• The Kalasha is decorated with mango leaves, and a coconut smeared with turmeric is used to cover it.

Pooja Rituals

1. Worship Lord Ganesha first.
2. Chant slokas, perform arati, and offer sweets to the deity.
3. Women tie yellow threads on their hands and exchange gifts.

prasadas

• Boiled legumes, pongal, and sweets made from jaggery are distributed.

Completion of Rituals

• Devotees complete the rituals on Saturday, dismantling the Kalasha after taking a bath.

Importance of Varalakshmi Vratam

Observing Varalakshmi Vratam is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and financial blessings. Devotees express their devotion to Goddess Varalakshmi, seeking her abundant blessings for themselves and their families, ultimately aiming for various forms of prosperity and well-being in life.