Fervour, gaiety mark ‘Varalakshmi Vratam’
Bhagyalakshmi temple sees devotees from all over city
Women dressed in their finery formed long queues at temples in most parts of the city and performed pooja to Goddess Laxmi on occasion of “Varalaxmi Vratam”. For newly married women, this festival means a lot. They fasted the whole day after their worship at the temples. They gave fruits, flowers, clothes, betel leaf and nuts to all women who visited their houses
Shri Bhagyalaxmi Mandir at Charminar, which opened its doors at 6 a.m., witnessed devout from all over the city and from out station, said Sashikala, a trustee of the temple. “I am the fourth generation trustee of this temple seeking blessings of Goddess Laxmi. There are 50 volunteers who have taken care of all arrangements and ensured control of
crowds. The festival was low-key last year because of Coronavirus second wave. This year, however, devotees ventured out of their homes and visited temples. Sale of flowers and pooja material was high on the day. Asha Latha, an entrepreneur, said: “The day started with preparing five varieties of food. Our family prayed to Goddess for
peace in Afghanistan.” Gangidi pallavi, a resident of Kukatpally, said: “We invited our friends and relatives for the festival, as they could not come last year due to high incidence of Covid19.”Padmavathi Kotamraju, a central government employee, said: “In the morning, I had attended the Varalaxmi Kalyanam at Laxmi
Narisimha Swami temple in DD colony. I expressed my gratitude to the Goddess for keeping us safe during this pandemic time.” Shabad Latha, a resident of Moinabad, said: “All our family members went to the temple for pooja. Thereafter, we invited relatives and friends to our home for the Varalaxmi Vratam.”