Varalakshmi Vratham

A Festival for married women and girls, Varalakshmi Vratham is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. Marked by strict observance of certain practices and austerities, this fast falls on the Friday before the full moon in the Tamil month of Aadi. Women and girls tie yellow threads around their wrists. Thamboolam is given to other 'sumangalis' (married women) who are invited to the house that evening. The woman performing the puja observes a fast. Different types of sweets are offered to the Goddess.

Customs & Rituals

The previous evening of the festival, the house is cleaned and a bronze or silver kalasam is filled with rice or water, coins, turmeric, a whole lime, betel leaf and nut. The face of Goddess Lakshmi decorated with jewels is placed against the coconut. The next morning the Goddess is welcomed to the specially erected pandal by singing the song "Varalakshmi Raave ma intikki". The women who do the Nonbu fast that day eating only certain foods that have been offered to the Goddess first..

Regional Celebrations Of Varalakshmi Vratham

This unique festival is popularly celebrated in the South India states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra.