Mysuru
The city wore a festive glow on Friday as women across Mysuru celebrated Vara Mahalakshmi Vrata with devotion, colour and cheerful camaraderie.
From the early hours, homes and temples resonated with the sounds of prayers and devotional songs, while beautifully decorated entrances, colourful rangolis and traditional arrangements added to the festive spirit.
Dressed in bright silk sarees and adorned with jewellery, women stepped out to visit temples and exchange greetings with friends and relatives. The festival brought a special sparkle to neighbourhoods as women gathered to perform puja and seek the blessings of Goddess Mahalakshmi, the deity of prosperity and well-being.
One of the most cherished traditions of the celebration was the exchange of ‘Bagina’ among women. Decorated plates and baskets containing traditional items, fruits, sweets, turmeric, kumkum and other auspicious articles were exchanged with warmth and affection. For many women, the ritual was as much about strengthening bonds of friendship and family as it was about observing religious customs.
“The festival gives us an opportunity to come together, pray for the well-being of our families and share happiness with one another. Giving Bagina to other women is a beautiful tradition that strengthens our relationships,” said a festival reveller.
Another woman, dressed in a traditional silk saree, said, “We have been celebrating Vara Mahalakshmi Vrata in our family for generations. Wearing new clothes, decorating the house, preparing special dishes and meeting friends make the day very special.”
Markets and flower stalls also witnessed a festive rush, with women purchasing flowers, fruits, puja articles and other items needed for the celebrations. Temples saw a steady stream of devotees, with women patiently waiting for darshan.
However, the festive mood suffered a slight dampener in the evening when rain lashed several parts of the city. The sudden showers forced many women to stay indoors or cut short their visits to relatives and temples. Outdoor gatherings and planned visits were particularly affected, with umbrellas and raincoats becoming an unexpected part of the festive attire.
“We were all set to visit a few houses and exchange Bagina, but the evening rain forced us to remain indoors. Still, we completed the puja at home and celebrated with our family,” said another woman.
Despite the weather interruption, the spirit of Vara Mahalakshmi remained undiminished. Homes continued to glow with lamps, flowers and festive decorations, while women offered prayers seeking prosperity, happiness and peace for their families.
The rain may have cooled the streets of Mysuru, but it did little to extinguish the warmth and devotion that marked the celebration.