Puttur, 29 August 2026: Third annual public Sri Varamahalakshmi Puja was held at Subhadra Kalamandira in Mukrampady on August 28 under the auspices of the Puthila Parivara Seva Trust, Sri Varamahalakshmi Puja Committee, Puttur, and Seetha Parivara.
Celebrations featured bhajans, Varamahalakshmi Puja, a religious gathering, mass Raksha Bandhan and annadanam. Morning bhajana programme was inaugurated by Veena Ballal, president of the Varamahalakshmi Puja Committee, by lighting the traditional lamp. Bhajana teams subsequently performed at the venue. The Varamahalakshmi Puja was conducted under the guidance of Vedic scholar Sri Vatsan Kedilaya, followed by Mahapuja at noon.
Around 8,680 women participated in the Varamahalakshmi Puja this year. Women who rendered puja seva were given bangles, turmeric, kumkum and sarees along with prasada. Nearly 10,000 people participated in the annadanam.
Mass Raksha Bandhan
A mass Raksha Bandhan programme was one of the highlights of the celebrations. Symbolising brotherhood, bonding and protection, rakhis were distributed to participants by the Trust. People on the stage and in the audience also tied rakhis to one another, adding a special feature to the event. Venue witnessed a large gathering of women, with the hall filled to capacity. Many participants also gathered outside the hall.
Women Have a Role in Protecting Dharma and the Nation: Nalinakshi Kalmadka
Speaking at the religious gathering, Nalinakshi Kalmadka, a teacher at Rotary English Medium High School, Sullia, said women have an important responsibility in protecting dharma and the nation.
She stressed the need to preserve dharma and ensure that children receive appropriate guidance and values. She said festivals are being celebrated collectively to help the younger generation understand their significance and develop awareness of traditions and culture. She also called upon people to work together with organisations engaged in social and cultural activities.
Varamahalakshmi Worship Should Illuminate Mothers' Lives: Prema Latha
Prema Latha, Managing Director of Iconic Tile, who inaugurated the gathering by lighting the lamp, said Varamahalakshmi Puja is one of the important festivals devoted to the worship of Goddess Mahalakshmi. She expressed hope that the divine light of Mahalakshmi worship would illuminate the lives of mothers and bring fulfilment and prosperity to devotees.
Education Must Go Hand in Hand with Values: Ramya Bhagesh Rai
Ramya Bhagesh Rai, Director of Vidyamatha Academy and chief guest, said values and culture are important assets that should be nurtured in every household.
She said education has its own importance, and values must be imparted alongside education. Women in every family have an important responsibility in ensuring that children grow up with an understanding of culture and values. She also spoke about the importance of preserving traditional symbols and practices in family life.
Girija Kalyana to Be Part of Next Srinivasa Kalyanotsava: Arun Kumar Puthila
Puthila Parivara Seva Trust coordinator Arun Kumar Puthila said the Trust has been involved in religious and social activities with the support of the community. He said the Srinivasa Kalyanotsava has been organised for the past three years with the objective of creating greater awareness through religious programmes and providing devotees an opportunity to participate in the worship of Lord Venkataramana in Puttur.
He announced that Girija Kalyanotsava will be organised as part of the next Srinivasa Kalyanotsava, describing it as a first-of-its-kind addition to the programme. Puthila said the Varamahalakshmi Puja has been organised through a women's organisation for the past two years as part of efforts to encourage women's participation in social and religious activities.
Culture and Values Must Be Nurtured Among Children: Kaveri B. Bhatt
Kaveri B. Bhatt of Lakshmi Timber and Beers said Varamahalakshmi Vrata is associated with prosperity, wealth and fulfilment of devotees' wishes. She said women and children should participate in religious programmes so that cultural traditions and values can be preserved and passed on to the next generation.
'I Am Fortunate to Serve': Veena Ballal
Varamahalakshmi Puja Committee president Veena Ballal, who presided over the programme, said she considered it a privilege to contribute to an event aimed at creating awareness about dharma. She thanked everyone whose cooperation helped make the third annual Varamahalakshmi Puja programme a success. During the event, a key sponsor of the annadanam, Sri Krishna Prashanth, was felicitated.
Puja, prasada distribution and annadanam were organised in a systematic manner and received appreciation from participants.
Source - Puthila Parivara, Photo - Naveena Panjala
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