VIJAYAWADA: A whopping 568 women participated in the Samuhika Varalakshmi Vratam organised by Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devastanam atop Indrakeeladri in the city on Friday. The mass celebrations were organised, as part of the auspicious festival celebrated in the Sravana Masam with a religious fervour.
The temple administration made necessary arrangements for the convenience of devotees. The temple executive officer A Suryakumari also particiated along with devotees. While women with white ration cards were allowed free entry, others purchased special puja tickets for `1,500 each from the temple counters.
The temple authorities presented blouse pieces, bangles, prasadam and other traditional items to all women who performed the puja.
Traditionally Varalakshmi Vratham was performed on the second Friday before fullmoon day (Pournami) of the Sravana Masam. But in this month, due to Pushkaralu, the temple administration had postponed the Vratham from second Friday to fourth Friday.
The festival was celebrated with devotion and zeal by the women from various parts of the city.