The annual Lakshmi Pooja will be celebrated all over Karnataka and other parts of South India today, 11th August. It is said that this puja originated in the Vedic Age when the Gods communicated with humans. An old, poor and troubled lady was visited by Goddess Lakshmi in her dreams. She instructed the lady to do certain "vratams" or fasting, puja and blessings that would bring prosperity to her and her family. Upon doing the same her wishes came true and many women came to hear about it and followed suit.

On this auspicious day married women make offerings to Mother Lakshmi in the form of garlands of cash, jewellery or whatever other valuables they can collect from among their possessions. They pray for peace, happiness and prosperity to shine into their family's life and their husband's occupation or business. It is generally believed that any financial problems are solved instantaneously after performing the Puja. Just as Lord Ganesha removes obstacles from one's path, so too does Goddess Lakshmi.

Families make use of this auspicious day to visit other families and exchange wishes with them. The community binds together and perform puja with one another. In fact, most of the day is spent moving from one house to another. It is customary for any household to offer vermillion or "kum-kum" to at least five married ladies. It brings peace, happiness and prosperity to the household as many believe. Also, with so many people who work so hard for a living it is only natural that they pray to Mother Lakshmi for her blessings After all, what goes around will definitely come around if you respect and love the source where it originates from. Varamahalakshmi puja honors the store-house of wealth that is the Mother of all Creation.