For all the posts in this Holidays & Observances series, go here.
Prologue: I have been meaning to write a series about Holidays and Observances that we (my family and friends) follow in both India (my birth country) and USA (my adopted country). This series is dedicated to those. On a side note, perhaps I might witness some of the celebrations from other countries as well that may get their way into this series. š
This year (2023) on Aug 25th we celebrated Varalakshmi Vratam, a pooja (= ritual) observed by all Hindus. It is the worshipping of Varalakshmi, a manifestation of Lakshmi who grants boons or whishes. This is also followed for the well-being and prosperity of their families and loved ones.
Puja rituals involve placing an idol of Goddess Varalakshmi, decorating and decking her per your choice, offering various items of food, reciting Vrat Katha (= ritual story), and distributing prasad (= offerings to the Goddess) to everyone around you.
This year my parents are with me, so it was a pleasure to celebrate this with them.
And concluded the day with a couple of my friends who came over for a small Haldi-Kumkum Ceremony.
Galavant Reflections 