Varalakshmi Vratham: A Call for Infinite Blessings
Do you remember the quiet grace with which our mothers and grandmothers celebrated the beautiful observance of Varalakshmi Vratham? While we may have been too young to understand their rituals then, we now find ourselves yearning for the same in our lives. The desire to pass on our traditions, in whatever way possible, is impossible to ignore. Being away from home doesn’t mean we need to bid adieu to what we hold dear in our hearts. With a little effort, we can invoke the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi for all our loved ones.
Typically, Varalakshmi Vratham is observed on the Friday before the full moon in the Hindu month of Shravana. The pooja for the event is marked with a kalasham, flowers, fruit, and jewelry as an offering to the deity. The fast can feel tedious, but for many married women, it's an honor to abstain from food and drink for the ceremony. As with all the traditions originating in India, the way one dresses for this occasion has deep cultural significance.
Being away from India, you might think it would be hard to dress right for the occasion. Consider creating a mood board to help you envision the perfect outfit and accessories. Auspicious- colored saris like these are still easy to find, whether online or at your local Indian store. The elegance of silk paired with all types of jewelry is a sight to behold. Silk attire is known for its deep hues and golden motifs, making gold jewelry the natural choice. Opting for jewelry featuring Goddess Lakshmi is a wonderful way to express your devotion. A simple pendant or a more elaborate bangle in her likeness is a meaningful addition to your treasured collection.
Large earrings are a must for any traditional celebration. These earrings play a significant role in enhancing your look, inspiring a sense of excitement and anticipation, almost like playing dress up with your mother’s jewels. Gemstones in contrasting colors are a great way to add dimension to your look while evoking timeless elegance - dark blue sapphires with orange saris, green emeralds for red saris, and red rubies for yellow ones. Dressing up for such occasions helps you connect with your roots while bringing much-needed color into your life. Of course, with large earrings, it is best to keep your neckwear simple. Lightweight jewelry is a boon for such occasions. You can dress up any outfit with them without going overboard.
For those who prefer a cool-toned color palette, there are lovely saris featuring silver zari. It’s best to choose diamond jewelry to accessorize. Beautiful diamond jhumkas paired with a dainty necklace look great without being very loud. Diamond bangles offer effortless elegance and work well for simpler looks, making them a great investment piece. Besides, diamonds are pretty timeless and versatile. Each time you wear them, you carry the memories of every occasion they've graced before. Imagine passing on this beautiful legacy to your kids and every generation after. Heirlooms are truly special.
So this Varalakshmi Vratham, embrace the celebration with elegance and devotion. Make way for new traditions that blend in seamlessly with the old and honor your culture. Every piece of jewelry worn on this day tells a story of reverence and celebration. While we may not be able to recreate the magic of our mothers, the effort in preserving our culture will be deeply felt by our loved ones.