Vara Maha Lakshmi festival , its Bengaluru celebration and special foods

VaraMahalakshmi festival is a Hindu festival dedicated to the goddess of wealth and prosperity, Lakshmi. The word Vara means boon, and Mahalakshmi is the supreme form of Lakshmi who grants boons to her devotees. The festival is observed on the Friday before the full moon day of the month of Shravana, which falls in July or August.

VaraMahaLakshmi festival story

There are several legends associated with the origin of VaraMahalakshmi festival. One of them is that once, Goddess Parvati asked Lord Shiva about a vratam (fast) that would be beneficial for women. Lord Shiva then told her about the VaraMahalakshmi vratam, which was performed by a pious woman named Charumati in a town called Kundinyapura. Charumati was devoted to Goddess Lakshmi and had a dream in which the goddess instructed her to perform the vratam on the Friday of Shravana month. Charumati followed the instructions and performed the vratam with great faith and devotion. She also invited her friends and relatives to join her in the puja. As a result, she and her family were blessed with wealth, health, happiness and prosperity by Goddess Lakshmi. Her friends and relatives also followed her example and performed the vratam every year, and received the grace of the goddess.

Another legend is that once, a group of sages were performing a yajna (sacrifice) in a forest. They invited Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi to grace the occasion. However, due to some reason, Lakshmi could not attend the yajna. She felt sorry for missing the opportunity to bless the sages and their wives. She then decided to grant them a boon that would fulfill their wishes. She appeared before them in the form of VaraMahalakshmi and asked them to perform a vratam on the Friday of Shravana month. She assured them that whoever performed the vratam with sincerity and devotion would be bestowed with all kinds of wealth and prosperity.

Celebration in Bengaluru

VaraMahalakshmi festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor in Bengaluru, the capital city of Karnataka. Women wake up early in the morning, take a bath and wear new or clean clothes. They decorate their houses with rangoli (colored patterns), mango leaves, flowers and lamps. They also prepare various delicacies such as payasam (rice pudding), vadai (fried snack), modak (sweet dumpling) and kheer (milk pudding) for offering to the goddess.

The main ritual of the festival is to worship a kalasham (pot) that represents Goddess Lakshmi. The kalasham is made of brass or silver and filled with rice, coins, betel leaves, turmeric, kumkum (vermilion) and other auspicious items. A coconut smeared with turmeric is placed on top of the kalasham, along with a cloth and some jewelry. A face of Goddess Lakshmi is either drawn on the coconut or attached to it with a metal plate. The kalasham is then placed on a wooden plank or a banana leaf in front of an idol or a picture of Goddess Lakshmi.

Women perform the puja by lighting a lamp and offering flowers, fruits, incense, camphor and naivedyam (food) to the goddess. They also recite shlokas (verses), sing bhajans (devotional songs) and listen to or narrate stories related to Goddess Lakshmi. They tie a yellow thread around their wrists as a symbol of protection and piety. They also exchange gifts and sweets with their friends and relatives who join them in the puja.

 

The significance of VaraMahalakshmi festival is to seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi for oneself and one’s family. It is believed that by performing this vratam, one can attain all kinds of wealth, such as material, spiritual, intellectual, emotional and social. It is also a way of expressing gratitude to the goddess for all her benevolence and generosity.

• The festival has become more popular and widespread among different communities and regions in Bengaluru. It is not only celebrated by women who hail from Karnataka, but also by those who have migrated from other states such as Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat. The festival has also transcended the boundaries of caste, creed and religion, as many people from different faiths and backgrounds participate in the vratam and respect the goddess.

• The festival has also adapted to the changing times and lifestyles of the people in Bengaluru. While some women still follow the traditional rituals and customs, others have modified them according to their convenience and preference. For example, some women use electric lamps instead of oil lamps, or use artificial flowers instead of fresh ones. Some women also perform the vratam online or through video calls with their friends and relatives who live far away. Some women also donate money or food to the needy or to the temples as a way of giving back to the society.

• The festival has also inspired many creative and artistic expressions in Bengaluru. Many women showcase their talent and skill in making beautiful rangoli designs, decorating the kalasham, preparing delicious dishes, singing melodious songs, writing poems or stories, or making crafts or paintings related to Goddess Lakshmi. Some women also organize cultural programs or competitions to celebrate the festival and spread awareness about its significance.

 Some of the special food prepared in Bengaluru on VaraMahalakshmi festival are:

• Obbattu: A sweet flatbread stuffed with a mixture of lentils, coconut and jaggery. It is also known as holige, boli or pooran poli in different regions. Obbattu is considered to be one of the favorite dishes of Goddess Lakshmi and is offered as naivedyam or prasadam to her.
• Lemon rice: A tangy and flavorful rice dish seasoned with lemon juice, mustard seeds, curry leaves, turmeric, peanuts and cashews. It is a simple and quick dish that can be made with leftover rice. Lemon rice is also a common offering to the goddess as it is believed to bring freshness and prosperity.
• Murukku: A crunchy and savory snack made from rice flour and urad dal flour. It is shaped into spirals or coils and deep-fried in oil. Murukku is a popular snack for festivals and occasions as it symbolizes happiness and joy.
• Masala vada: A spicy and crispy fritter made from chana dal, onion, green chillies, ginger, curry leaves and coriander leaves. It is also known as chana dal vada or paruppu vada in different regions. Masala vada is a delicious snack that can be enjoyed with coconut chutney or sambar.
• Payasam: A sweet and creamy pudding made from milk, rice, vermicelli, sugar, cardamom, saffron, nuts and raisins. It is also known as kheer or payesh in different regions. Payasam is a traditional dessert that is served at the end of the meal on festive occasions. It is also an auspicious dish that is offered to the goddess as a sign of gratitude and devotion.