Mahalakshmi Vrat 2024: Know Start and End Date, Rituals, Significance
Posted on September 10, 2024
Mahalakshmi Vrat is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and fortune. It is primarily observed by women across North India, especially in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Maharashtra. The vrat (fast) typically lasts for 16 consecutive days, starting from the Ashtami (eighth day) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Bhadrapada (August-September), and concludes on the Ashtami of Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the month of Ashwin.
- Mahalakshmi Vrat 2024 Begins on Wednesday, September 11
- Mahalakshmi Vrat 2024 Ends on Tuesday, September 24
Rituals and Significance:
- Devotees, mostly women, observe a strict fast during these 16 days. They pray to Goddess Mahalakshmi for the well-being of their families, wealth, and happiness.
- On the first day, devotees establish an idol or a picture of Goddess Lakshmi in a clean place at home and worship her with flowers, fruits, and sweets.
- A special thread, known as ‘Mahalakshmi Vrat Dori’, is tied around the wrist as a symbol of the vrat. It is believed to bring prosperity and protection from negative energies.
- Each day, women perform puja (rituals), chant hymns, and recite stories related to Goddess Lakshmi.
- At the end of the vrat, on the final day, they offer a special feast to the goddess and distribute prasad (offerings) among family and friends.
The vrat is believed to attract the blessings of Goddess Mahalakshmi, ensuring peace, prosperity, and material well-being for the devotees and their families.