Varalakshmi Vratham 2026 — Friday, 7 August 2026

Varalakshmi Vratham 2026 will be observed on Friday, 7 August 2026. This vrat is performed by married Hindu women on the second Friday (or the Friday before the full moon) of the Shravana month. The puja invokes Vara Lakshmi — the boon-granting form of Goddess Lakshmi — and is one of the most important religious observances for women in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.

What is Varalakshmi Vratham?

Varalakshmi Vratham (వరలక్ష్మీ వ్రతం) is observed by married Hindu women for the well-being, prosperity, and longevity of their husbands and families. The vrat involves the worship of Vara Lakshmi — Lakshmi as the granter of boons — through kalasha sthapana (sacred pot installation), shodashopachara puja (16-step worship), and recitation of the Vara Lakshmi Vratha Katha. The vrat is mentioned in the Skanda Purana, where Lord Shiva narrates its significance to Goddess Parvati.

Step-by-Step Puja Vidhi

1. Mangala Snanam — Take an early morning bath after applying turmeric and oil. Wear new or clean traditional clothing, preferably yellow or red.
2. Kalasha Sthapana — Place a brass or silver kalasha (pot) on a bed of rice. Fill with water, add betel leaves, coins, turmeric, kumkum, and a coconut on top. Decorate the kalasha as Goddess Lakshmi with eyes, jewelry, and a face drawn on the coconut.
3. Sankalpa — Take a vow stating the date, the deity, and the purpose of the vrat. Tie a fresh thread (toranam) on the right wrist.
4. Shodashopachara Puja — Perform the 16-step worship: avahana (invocation), asana, padya, arghya, achamana, snana, vastra, yajnopaveeta, gandha, pushpa, dhupa, deepa, naivedya, tambula, neerajana, and pradakshina-namaskara.
5. Vrata Katha — Listen to or recite the Vara Lakshmi Vrata Katha, the story of Charumati and how Lakshmi blessed her with prosperity.
6. Aarti and Mantra — Conclude with the Lakshmi Aarti and 108 recitations of "Om Mahalakshmyai Cha Vidmahe Vishnupatnyai Cha Dheemahi Tanno Lakshmi Prachodayat" (Lakshmi Gayatri).
7. Tambulam Distribution — Invite married women (suvasinis) and distribute tambulam (betel leaf, betel nut, coconut, blouse piece, kumkum, turmeric, and gifts).

Important Items for Varalakshmi Puja

• Brass or silver kalasha (pot)
• Coconut (whole, with husk preferred for decoration)
• Mango leaves or betel leaves
• Raw rice for kalasha base
• Turmeric powder, kumkum, sandalwood paste
• Yellow flowers (marigold, chrysanthemum) and lotus if available
• Yellow thread (toranam)
• Diya/lamp with cotton wicks and sesame oil
• Naivedyam: payasam, vada, fruits, jaggery, coconut sweets
• Vara Lakshmi Vrata Katha book
• New saree, blouse pieces, bangles for tambulam distribution

Regional Observances

Varalakshmi Vratham is most prominently observed in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. In Andhra-Telangana tradition, the kalasha is decorated as a goddess with face and ornaments. In Karnataka, the vrat is sometimes called Vara Mahalakshmi Vratam. In Tamil Nadu, it is observed as Varalakshmi Nombu, often with elaborate kolams (rangoli) at the entrance.

Why Friday Before Full Moon?

The Skanda Purana prescribes the second Friday (or the Friday before Shravana Purnima) for this vrat. Friday is ruled by Shukra (Venus) — the planet associated with prosperity, beauty, and Lakshmi's grace. Shravana month itself is considered Lakshmi's favorite month. The combination of Shravana Friday makes this date doubly auspicious for invoking the goddess's boons.