Varalakshmi Vratham –
A typical view of the Varalakshmi Vrata puja
Official name Varalakshmi Vrata
Observed by Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu
2017 date 4 August 2017 
Varamahalakshmi Vrata is a festival to propitiate the goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu, one of the Hindu Trinity. Varalakshmi is one who grants boons (Vara). It is an important pooja performed by many women in the states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. The Hindu festival going by the name ‘Vara maha Lakshmi Vrata’ is celebrated on the Second Friday or the Friday before full moon day – Poornima in the month of Shravaṇā, which corresponds to the Gregorian months of July–August.
Varamahalakshmi Vrata is performed by married woman for the well being of all the family members, especially husband, to get progeny etc. It is believed that worshiping Goddess Varalakshmi on this day is equivalent to worshiping Ashtalaksmi – the eight goddesses of Wealth, Earth, Learning, Love, Fame, Peace, Pleasure, and Strength. Because of the popularity in some states of India, it is declared as an optional official holiday in India.