In the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of Sravana month, devotees celebrate Varalakshmi Vratham on the Friday before the full moon. People in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra observe it with devotion. They dedicate the day to Goddess Lakshmi. Devotees believe she blesses them with happiness, wealth, prosperity, and eight forms of divine riches (Ashtaishwaryas). The Puranas say this vratam removes poverty and hardships.
This year, the Varalakshmi Vratham began at sunrise on August 8 and ended at sunrise on August 9. Married women fast, follow strict rules, and perform the rituals with faith. Auspicious times for the puja include Simha Lagna (6:29–8:46 AM), Vrischika Lagna (1:22–3:41 PM), Kumbha Lagna (7:27–8:54 PM), and Vrishabha Lagna (11:55 PM–1:50 AM). Devotees prefer to do the puja during the daytime muhurtham.
Varalakshmi Puja is similar to the Mahalakshmi Puja during Diwali but has special offerings and unique mantras. Women tie a sacred thread called “Toram” during the ritual. They start by installing the Kalasha. Next, they chant the Lakshmi Ashtottara Shatanamavali (108 names of the Goddess), perform the aarti, and tie the Toram. For naivedyam, they usually offer sweet rice pudding (paramannam) made with cow’s milk. Devotees decorate the idol of Goddess Lakshmi with flowers, jewelry, and silk garments. They complete the puja with mantra recitation, devotion, and reverence.