Varalakshmi Vratam is a Hindu observance to propitiate the goddess of prosperity, Lakshmi. It is also called Varalakshmi Puja and is primarily performed by married Hindu women in the states of South India. The festival is observed on the Friday before the day of the full moon - Purnima - in the Hindu month of Shravana, which corresponds to the Gregorian months of July – August. The festival is celebrated to seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, who is believed to bring wealth, prosperity, and happiness to the family.
During the festival, married women perform puja for their own well-being and to ask the goddess to bless their husbands with health and longevity. Many believe that worshipping the aspect of Varalakshmi on this day is equivalent to worshipping the Ashtalakshmi – the eight goddesses of Wealth, Earth, Learning, Love, Fame, Peace, Pleasure, and Strength.
The festival is celebrated by preparing a mandapam and inviting Varalakshmi Devi. Women take a bath in the wee hours and recite slokas. The festival is a celebration of peace and prosperity and brings families together.
