Over thousands of women devotees thronged Varalakshmi temples in Vijayawada on the first Friday of the holy month of Shravana to offer their prayers and worship Lakshmi the goddess of wealth. In southern India, 'Varalakshmi Vratam' is an auspicious day and holds great significance. On this day, devotees, specially married women, observe fast in the day and offer prayers to the goddess for the well being of their families. After prayers, the goddess is offered nine varieties of delicacies, including sweets and savouries. In conclusion of the fast, women devotees sing hymns in praise of Varalakshmi and invite other married women and offer them sweets, assuming them to be goddess Varalakshmi. As per the Hindu calendar, 'Shravan' is the fifth holy month that corresponds to the month of August. The festival is celebrated ahead of 'Raksha Bandhan' or sibling festival.