Dubai: Women Celebrate 'Shri Varamahalakshmi Vrutha' with Piety
News: Shodhan Prasad
Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai (CN)
Pics: Vivek Anand
Dubai, Aug 13: The biggest ever women's only 'Puja' committee comprising of more than 50 members irrespective of caste, conducted the 'Shri Varamahalakshmi Vrutha Puja' at JSS Private School Auditorium, Sh. Zayed Road, here on Friday August 12. The event was witnessed by more than 1,000 devotees from all around the UAE. This is the fourth consecutive year that this vibrant 'Puja' has been organized.
The 'Maha Mantapa' made of flowers and fruits was erected by Rajesh Kuthar and his team and contained huge pictures of Vishnu and Ashtalakmi on either side made by Ganesh Rai. The Puja was conducted by Purohit Raghu Bhat. Bala Salian and his wife Laxmi Bala Salian did the rites on behalf of the committee and all the devotees. The chanting of 'stotras' like Mahalakshmi Ashtama and Ayigiri Nandini which went on as per the religious formalities.
The 'Thulasi Katte', decorated with a 'Rangoli' of flowers looked spectacular with lamps lit all around it. The ceremony began around 3.30 pm with decoration and lighting of lamps. All the women who had been fasting on the auspicious day chanted the 'Vishnu Sahasranaama' which went on for 40 minutes.
The 'Vara Lakshmi Vratha' is celebrated on the Friday before the full moon in the month of 'Aadi' which corresponds to the English months of July-August. It is a festival to propitiate the Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu, one of the Hindu Trinity. In Hindu faith, it is believed that Lakshmi will enter the house of anyone who seeks her blessings.
The various teams of five women each, responsibly conducted the event and ensured its smooth functioning.
There were three 'bhajan' teams lead by Mogaveers UAE, Padmashaali UAE, and Thaayi Bhuvaneshwari Jebel Ali who presented 'Abhang Bhajans (ntitya)' soulfully.
Rajarajeshwari Bhajan Mandali received all the teams and was a part of the continuous bhajans on behalf of the Varamahalakshmi committee.
The Puja concluded with the 'Mahamangalarathi' followed by non-stop 'Aarati' songs rendered by the group. It continued with 'Shobhane Sumangali Araadhane', 'Kannikaaradhane', and 'Brahmanaradhane' one after the other.
The 'Kannikaradhane' saw three little girls - Thanushree Mahesh, Pranjal Jethendra, and Adithi Gopal - seated on the pedestal for the formalities.
The Nrutya Rupaka called 'Sumanasa Vandita' was presented gracefully and appreciated wholly by the devotees. The bhajan groups were felicitated for their participation and soulful presentations.
Raksha Bandhan was also celebrated and the ladies tied 'Rakhi' on the wrists of their 'brothers' praying for their long life and happiness.
Ganesh Rai, former president, of Karnataka Sangha Sharjah, explained the process and eternal gains of the special Puja.
The 'Mahaprasada' distribution was unique with all the devotees seated on the ground and served food on a banana leaf with sumptuous mouth watering vegetarian delicacies including 'Payasa' and 'Jilebi' served by the women.