What is Varalakshmi Vratham?

Varalakshmi Vratham, also known as Varalakshmi Nombu, is a sacred Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. It is observed by married women, especially in South India, on the second Friday of the Shravana month, which falls between July and August. Devotees believe that worshipping Goddess Varalakshmi is equivalent to worshipping all eight forms of Ashta Lakshmi — the divine representations of wealth, courage, knowledge, food, prosperity, progeny, victory, and spiritual strength.

The Story Behind Varalakshmi Vratham

The origin of this vratam is rooted in the tale of Charumathi, a devout woman from Kundinagaram in the Vidarbha kingdom. One night, she had a divine vision where Goddess Lakshmi instructed her to perform the Varalakshmi Vrat for a fulfilled and prosperous life. Acting upon the dream, Charumathi performed the pooja with utmost devotion along with other women from her neighborhood. As the rituals were completed, they were blessed with wealth, health, and happiness. Since then, this tradition has been passed down generations as a symbol of faith and prosperity.

How is Varalakshmi Pooja Celebrated at Home?

Preparations for the pooja start a day before, on Thursday. The home is cleaned, and all pooja items are organized. On Friday morning, women wake up early, take a ritual bath, wear traditional silk sarees and jewelry, and observe a fast until the pooja is concluded. A Kalash filled with aromatic water is decorated with mango leaves and a coconut, symbolizing the goddess herself. The rituals include drawing rangoli, lighting diyas, chanting Lakshmi mantras, and offering a variety of sweets, fruits, and flowers.

Essential pooja items include the idol or image of Goddess Lakshmi, sandal paste, turmeric, kumkum, fresh flowers, banana and mango leaves, raw rice grains, blouse pieces, and sacred threads like thoram and pongu nool. The pooja concludes with Mangala Aarti and distribution of prasad and Thamboolam to guests.

When is Varalakshmi Vratham 2025?

Varalakshmi Vratham in 2025 will be celebrated on Friday, August 8, 2025. The day offers multiple auspicious muhurat timings for performing the pooja:

These windows are ideal for invoking the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi through proper rituals and heartfelt devotion.

Gifting Traditions in Varalakshmi Vratham

One of the most beautiful aspects of Varalakshmi Vratham is the tradition of gifting. Married women visiting each other's homes for the pooja exchange Thamboolam, a sacred return gift symbolizing blessings and goodwill. A traditional Thamboolam usually includes betel leaves, areca nut, kumkum, turmeric, coconut, and a small gift item.

In recent times, these return gifts have become more creative and thoughtful. Designer potlis made from silk and adorned with Lakshmi motifs are a popular choice. Handwoven baskets filled with dry fruits, sweets, or puja items make for elegant and practical gifts. Customizable boxes containing kumkum, turmeric, miniature brass diyas, and coins add a spiritual touch to the return gifting experience.

Showcase Your Gifting Collection

This is the perfect time to highlight your Varalakshmi gifting range. A dedicated banner space on your site or blog can showcase exclusive gift sets, beautifully arranged hampers, and ready-made puja kits.

Consider setting up an image gallery with categories such as:

• Lakshmi-themed Potli Bags with intricate prints and drawstrings.
• Handwoven Baskets that include all essentials like sweets, kumkum, turmeric, and dry fruits.
• Decorative  Boxes that reflect tradition and elegance.
• Brass Diya Sets and Miniature Kalash Kits that are symbolic and reusable.
• Complete Gifting Kits with coconut, kumkum, blouse piece, and a small coin – a perfect ready-to-go return gift.