Latest news with #Varalakshmi
Mint
13 hours ago
- Mint
Wrapped in rice, this delicate Andhra sweet is a festive delight
Emerald fields, small towns, large temples—the three-hour drive from Vijayawada airport to Yelamanchili Lanka village in West Godavari passes in a blur as I doze off and on. Every time I open my eyes, I see lush paddy fields fringed by swaying palms. Fed by the Godavari, the Konaseema region of Andhra Pradesh is a rich, fertile land, and I'm excited to explore this pastoral corner far removed from bustling cities. I arrive at Sterling Palavelli Godavari, a resort set on a coconut plantation, and check in for a weekend of rest and relaxation. Being a bit hungry, I immediately raid the welcome basket in my room. A cane box contains gossamer-thin rice paper rolls stuffed with a ghee-drenched mixture of dry fruits and jaggery. The accompanying note tells me that the sweet is called pootharekulu. In Telugu, pootha means coating and reku (rekulu, plural) translates to sheets, an apt description of pootharekulu. This is one of the most popular sweets in Andhra Pradesh and is always a part of festivals, weddings and other special occasions. So, I'm surprised to learn that pootharekulu is almost exclusively made in the tiny village of Atreyapuram in the East Godavari district. Since the village is just 50km from the hotel, I'm keen to see first-hand how the sweet is made. I hop into a car with a guide and we head north. Andhra Pradesh grows many rice varieties, of which the Jaya rice is used to make pootharekulu. But how this rice transforms into sheets that encase the sweet is the real work of art. In Atreyapuram, my guide brings me to a shed where Varalakshmi is hunched beside an upturned pot with a plate of thin rice batter in front of her. 'The rice is soaked for about an hour then pounded into a watery slurry. The seasoned clay pot is heated from below with dried twigs or fronds of coconut trees," explains my guide. I watch fascinated as Varalakshmi dips a thin cloth in the rice batter and slaps it on to the pot, all in one fluid motion. The batter forms a sheet-like layer on the pot, and in less than a minute, it turns into a crisp, paper-thin sheet that she deftly removes and places in the growing pile on hand. The making of pootharekulu is a thriving cottage industry in Atreyapuram in which some 400 families and several women's self-help groups are involved. A rice paper sheet is drizzled with ghee and chopped nuts like cashew, almond and pistachio are added. The sheet is folded over, more ghee is spooned on it, followed by a generous sprinkling of powdered jaggery. It is then tightly rolled up and placed in a box, ready to be packaged. Pootharekulu has been produced in Atreyapuram for nearly three centuries, and in June 2023, it received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. Apart from the traditional dry fruit and jaggery combination, it also comes in honey and date variations as well as in new-fangled ones like Horlicks, Boost, and even Oreo. I return to my hotel to an elaborate Konaseema thali dished up by the kitchen. After feasting on local delicacies like gummadikaya dappalam (sweet and sour pumpkin stew) and gongura rice , the chef brings out dessert. In a glass bowl, the 'paper sweet" rests next to a serving of gajar halwa, a decidedly odd combination in my opinion. Ignoring the halwa, I bite into the pootharekulu and it practically melts in my mouth. I returned home with two boxes of this unique wispy sweet, and no, I did not share. Prachi Joshi is a Mumbai-based travel and food writer.
Hans India
2 days ago
- General
- Hans India
Spiritual fervour peaks as women celebrate ‘Varalakshmi Vratham'
Tirupati: A spirit of devotion and celebration swept across the district as women observed the sacred Varalakshmi Vratham with great enthusiasm on Friday. The auspicious occasion, deeply rooted in tradition, witnessed both homes and temples adorned with vibrant decorations, as women performed age-old rituals seeking the blessings of Goddess Varalakshmi. Though women perform the puja on any Friday in the month, majority will do it on the Friday preceding the full moon day of Sravana Masam. With the arrival of Sravana Masam, considered the holiest month for women in the Hindu calendar, the fervour surrounding Varalakshmi Vratham reached its peak. In keeping with the belief that worshipping Varalakshmi on this day is as meritorious as praying to the Ashta Lakshmi (the eight forms of the goddess), women set up 'Kalasams' at home – sacred pots adorned with turmeric, kumkum, and flowers, topped with decorated coconuts and a blouse piece symbolising the goddess. After the Pooja, women dressed in traditional attire listen to the Vratha Katha which is considered even more important before offering Naivedyam to the deity. In many homes, the Kalasam was intricately decorated with silver-plated facial features or ready-made goddess faces, adding a personalised touch to the ritual. Unable to perform the puja at home, many women flocked to temples where community pujas were conducted in batches. Major temples like the Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Devasthanam in Tiruchanoor, Sri Vasavi Kanyakaparameswari, Sakthi Chamundeswari, Tataiahgunta Gangamma Devasthanam along with several TTD run local temples in the district witnessed heavy footfall from early morning. Srikalahasteeswara Devasthanam was also overwhelmed with devotees, with hundreds of women queuing up for the puja. Endowment Officer T Bapi Reddy and his family were among those who took part in the rituals at Srikalahasti. Religious fervour was accompanied by a commercial buzz in city markets. From Thursday evening, local bazaars came alive as women indulged in festive shopping. Puja items, flowers, fruits, and gold trinkets – especially those featuring Lakshmi motifs – were in high demand. As expected, the surge in demand led to a steep rise in the prices of flowers and fruits, with vendors making brisk business.
Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Varalakshmi Vratam 2025: The festival which brings in good luck and wealth and how to celebrate it
Varalakshmi Vratam is one of the most cherished Hindu festivals celebrated especially in South India. It is dedicated to Goddess Varalakshmi, a special form of Goddess Lakshmi who is believed to bless her devotees with wealth, good health, and family happiness. On this day, people, especially married women, pray for the well-being of their loved ones. However, anyone can observe this vrat and seek the goddess's blessings. This festival is not just about rituals, it's also about love, gratitude, and togetherness. Families come together to decorate their homes, offer prayers, and celebrate the presence of divine feminine energy. It's especially popular in states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra, where one can find homes filled with devotion, joy, and tradition. When is Varalakshmi Vratam observed? Varalakshmi Vratam 2025 is celebrated on the last Friday of the Shukla Paksha in the Shravan month and this year the tithi falls on Friday, August 8. The festival is a symbolic expression of devotion to Goddess Varalakshmi, believed to be a boon-granting form of Mahalakshmi. Devotees perform rituals to seek blessings for wealth, health, and family harmony. According to Drikpanchang, the most auspicious time or muhurat to perform the puja is during a fixed Lagna as it is believed to ensure lasting prosperity. The most suitable time slots recommended for puja in 2025 are: Simha Lagna Muhurat: 06:29 AM – 08:46 AM Vrishchika Lagna Muhurat: 01:22 PM – 03:41 PM Kumbha Lagna Muhurat: 07:27 PM – 08:54 PM Vrishabha Lagna Muhurat (midnight): 11:55 PM – 01:50 AM- August 9 Evening hours overlapping with Pradosh Kaal are considered the most spiritually beneficial for performing the ritual. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now Undo Devotees are advised to check their local Panchang for region-specific timings. Who is Goddess Varalakshmi Goddess Varalakshmi, as the name suggests, is "Lakshmi who grants boons", Vara meaning boon. According to the legend, she emerged from the Kshir Sagar or Milky Ocean, radiating divine purity and abundance. According to Hindu Puranic scriptures, 'Worshipping Goddess Varalakshmi on this day is as powerful as worshipping all the Ashta Lakshmis,' including Sri (Wealth), Bhu (Earth), Saraswati (Learning), Priti (Love), Kirti (Fame), Shanti (Peace), Tushti (Pleasure), and Pushti (Strength) . Steps for Pooja Vidhi The rituals, or Puja Vidhi, begin with Kalasha Sthapana, where the goddess is invoked into a sacred pot. Devotees then chant the Lakshmi Ashtottara Shatanamavali, perform aarti, and tie a sacred thread called Dorak, which is a symbol of divine protection. A traditional sweet offering called Vayana is also prepared and offered to the deity. Homes are adorned with floral decorations, colorful kolams (rangoli), and silk-clad idols of Goddess Lakshmi. As per Drik Panchang, 'Performing this vrat with devotion ensures not just material success but also inner peace and spiritual upliftment.' While the festival is most widely observed in South Indian states, its spiritual essence is felt across all regions. It is not just a ritual but a way of expressing love, gratitude, and reverence to the divine feminine energy.
News18
4 days ago
- General
- News18
Varalakshmi Vratam 2025: How To Perform Varamaha Lakshmi Vrat? Check Puja Vidhanam, Fasting Rules And Mantras
Last Updated: Varalakshmi Vratam 2025 Puja Vidhi And Fasting: It is observed by married women who perform rituals and fasts to seek the blessings of Goddess Varalakshmi. Varalakshmi Vratam 2025 Puja Vidhi: Varalakshmi Vratam is a sacred and widely celebrated Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, health, and prosperity. It is especially observed by married women who perform rituals and fasts to seek the blessings of Goddess Varalakshmi, a powerful and benevolent form of Lakshmi. The vratam is believed to ensure the well-being, happiness, and longevity of their family members. This year, the auspicious occasion will be celebrated on Friday, August 8. This year, Varalakshmi Vratam falls on Friday, August 8, 2025. It is observed on the Friday before the full moon (Purnima) in the month of Shravana/Sawan, which usually falls between July and August. Puja Muhurat Timings Simha Lagna Puja Muhurat: 06:58 AM to 09:06 AM (Duration – 2 Hours 8 Minutes) Vrishchika Lagna Puja Muhurat: 01:24 PM to 03:38 PM (Duration – 2 Hours 14 Minutes) Kumbha Lagna Puja Muhurat: 07:33 PM to 09:10 PM (Duration – 1 Hour 37 Minutes) Vrishabha Lagna Puja Muhurat: 12:28 AM to 02:28 AM, August 9 (Duration – 2 Hours) The Meaning and Importance of Varalakshmi Vratam The word Varalakshmi combines two Sanskrit terms: 'Vara," meaning boon or blessing, and 'Lakshmi," referring to the goddess of prosperity. The festival is particularly important in southern Indian states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. According to Hindu beliefs, worshipping Varalakshmi on this day is equivalent to worshipping all eight forms of Lakshmi, known as Ashtalakshmi, who represent wealth, courage, wisdom, fertility, strength, progeny, and prosperity. This vratam is not only an act of devotion but also a cherished cultural tradition passed on through generations of women. Newly married women often celebrate their first Varalakshmi Vratam with special enthusiasm, receiving gifts and blessings from elders in the family. The Story Behind Varalakshmi Vratam According to legend, a devout woman named Charumathi, who lived in the ancient city of Magadha, was visited by Goddess Lakshmi in a dream. The Goddess instructed her to perform a special vrat (fast) to receive divine blessings. Charumathi followed the instructions and performed the vrat with sincerity, joined by other women in her village. As a result, their lives were filled with wealth, happiness, and peace. Since then, women have been observing this vrat every year to seek the same blessings from Goddess Varalakshmi. Varalakshmi Vratam 2025: Rituals and Puja Vidhi The festival day begins early, with women waking before sunrise to clean their homes and take a ritual bath. They then prepare for the puja by following these traditional steps: Cleaning and decorating the puja area: The worship space is cleaned and purified with Gangajal (holy water), and decorated with flowers and rangolis. Setting up the Kalash: A pot (Kalash) filled with water is placed on a plate with raw rice (akshat). A coconut wrapped in a red cloth is placed on top, and the Kalash is adorned with turmeric, kumkum, bangles, and jewelry. Placing the idol or image of Goddess Lakshmi: A photo or idol of Goddess Varalakshmi is set up and decorated with sarees, garlands, and ornaments. Offerings: Devotees offer fruits, flowers, sweets, betel leaves, and coins to the Goddess. Traditional dishes like pulihora, payasam, and vadas are also made. Mantras and Aarti: Vedic chants, including the Lakshmi Ashtottara Shatanamavali (108 names of Lakshmi), are recited. The puja concludes with the aarti and the singing of hymns like 'Om Jai Lakshmi Mata." Fasting: Women fast until the puja is complete. Some eat only sattvik food, while others fast until nightfall. Once the rituals are done, women tie sacred threads (raksha) on their wrists for protection and blessings. Prasad is distributed, and elders are offered respect. Varalakshmi Vratam 2025: Celebration and Decorations Varalakshmi Vratam is not just a religious occasion but also a time for joy and celebration. Women wear traditional silk sarees and jewellery. Homes are beautifully decorated with mango leaves, marigold flowers, diyas (oil lamps), scented candles, and tea light holders. These lights are believed to invite divine energy and drive away negativity. Rangolis in vibrant colours are drawn at entrances to welcome the Goddess, and traditional music or bhajans play in the background, creating a festive atmosphere. Some families even invite friends and neighbours to join the puja, followed by a meal and exchange of gifts. Varalakshmi Vratam 2025: Jewellery and Return Gifts Jewellery plays a key role in the celebration. The Kalash and the idol of Goddess Lakshmi are adorned with gold necklaces, earrings, bangles, and toe rings. This not only symbolises wealth and devotion but also reflects the grandeur of the celebration. Newly married women are often gifted silver pots (chombus), Lakshmi faces (Ambal Mugam), gold coins, and bangles by their in-laws. Once the puja is over, return gifts (tambulam) are given to other women who attended, usually including bangles, sarees, sweets, and kumkum packets. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hans India
28-07-2025
- General
- Hans India
Bangaru Varalakshmi lucky draw begins today
Rajamahendravaram: The Bangaru Varalakshmi Kanuka-3 lucky draw programme will commence at Gokavaram on Monday, announced Vishwa Hindu Dharma Parirakshana Ramasena president and BJP leader Kambala Srinivasa Rao. Speaking to the media at Rajahmundry Press Club on Sunday, he said the programme has been organised since 2023 to protect Hindu Dharma and promote spiritual consciousness among women. The lucky draw will be held from 10 am at Surya Function Hall in Gokavaram, and those selected in the draw will be presented with free idols of Goddess Varalakshmi. He added that the initiative is intended to help women joyfully perform the Varalakshmi Vratham during the auspicious Sravana month. The lucky draw will continue in nearby areas in the coming days, including Gokavaram surrounding villages on Tuesday, Indukuripeta in Alluri Sitharama Raju district on July 30, Korukonda on August 2, Srirangapatnam on August 3, Rampachodavaram and Addatigala on August 4, Seethanagaram on August 5, and Rajanagaram on August 6. Naga Ramesh Veeranjali and others were present.
