Sravan begins amid lacklustre festive spirit

VIJAYAWADA: The auspicious month of Sravan began on a sombre note on Tuesday with Covid-19 fears dampening celebrations. Women who mark Varalakshmi Vratham on the second Friday in Sravan have decided to observe the rituals this year without inviting guests.
The month is believed to be the favourite of the goddess Lakshmi and worshipping her during Sravan is supposed to bring prosperity and wealth to devotees.At the Kanaka Durga temple and temples of Goddess Lakshmi, devotees, mainly women, offer special prayers throughout the month.
Every Friday, houses are decorated with flowers and special prayers performed. The festive spirit of Varalakshmi Vratham, during which relatives and neighbours are invited to receive ‘vayanam’, the holy offering, has been replaced with boards outside homes requesting neighbours to not extend invitations for rituals.
“It is high time as Covid-19 cases are spreading rapidly in the state. We should not risk our lives by inviting others to our homes. We can celebrate Varalakshmi Vratham next year if we protect ourselves from Covid-19 this year. We have decided not to invite anyone for pooja this year,” said Bandi Durga Devi, a homemaker from Gandhinagar.
Meanwhile, the Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devastanams had decided not to conduct group Varalakshmi Vratham and other rituals this year. Around 25,000 devotees visit the temple on Tuesdays and Fridays in Sravana every year. Only a permitted number of devotees will be allowed this year and social distancing norms will be followed.
Officials plan to live-telecast rituals during the Varalakshmi Vratham, as was done for the Ugadi Panchanga Sravanam.