Varamahalakshmi or Varalakshmi festival is a much-awaited festival after the month of Ashada or Aadi Masam in South India. Most of the South Indian households celebrate the first big festival of Shraavana by performing Pooja to the idol made with husked or dehusked coconut, or with precious metals like silver and gold. Varamahalakshmi festival symbolizes worship for wealth, similar to Diwali in North India. This festival is celebrated by married women (sumangalis) for the well being of their family.

On Varamahalakshmi, women worship Goddess Lakshmi with utmost devotion offering fruits, sweets and flowers. A kalasam (representing the deity) made of bronze or silver will be decorated with a saree, flowers and gold jewelry with offerings placed in front. The kalasham is filled with water, rice. coins, turmeric, lemon, betel leaf and betel nut.  The Goddess is welcomed by placing the kalasham on a wooden plank or decorated with a wet kolam. After the pooja is performed a yellow string is tied on the right wrist. 

Various dishes made without onion or garlic is offered to the Goddess as naivedyam. Some of the common dishes made are sundal, vada, rice variety, payasam, Kozhukattai and Obbattu. After offering the food to the Goddess the food is distributed to the family members and the visitors. If you plan properly these dishes can be made with ease on the day of the festival.

1. Vada Recipes For Varalakshmi festival

2. Rice Recipes For Varalakshmi festival

 3. Payasam Recipes For Varalakshmi festival

4. Kozhukattai Recipes For Varalakshmi festival

5. Other Varalakshmi Vratham Recipes