AP:Mahalakshmi Ammavari Kalyanotsavam Held at Koonamarajupalem inChittoor Dist.
The celebrations began with Nagara Sankeerthana, followed by a milk abhishekam performed by women carrying 108 pots.
The celestial wedding of Goddess Mahalakshmi was subsequently conducted amid Vedic chants and devotional fervour.
Tamil Nadu Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) president and Dinamalar publisher and managing director R R Gopalji attended the celebrations as chief guest.
Geetha Mandir Ashram Peethadhipathi Pundarika Varadananda Swami, along with Vedic scholars, accorded him a traditional welcome with Purna Kumbham.
As part of the ceremony, Vedic priests decorated the idols of Sri Lakshmi Narayana and placed them on the Chandraprabha Vahanam.
Rituals including Raksha Bandhanam, Ankurarpanam, Vastra Samarpana, Mangalya Dharana and Mala Parivarthanam were performed in accordance with religious customs.
During the Mangalya Dharana ceremony, married women performed Kumkumarchana and offered special prayers to Goddess Mahalakshmi.
Addressing the gathering, Gopalji stressed the need to create greater awareness about Hindu Dharma and its traditions and spiritual values.
He said religious and spiritual programmes could inspire people to follow the path of devotion and strengthen their connection with Hindu Dharma.
A women’s devotional group from Vijayawada rendered the Hanuman Chalisa, drawing appreciation from devotees. The rituals concluded with the offering of traditional camphor Harathi.
Women who participated in the Kumkumarchana were presented with sacred kumkum, turmeric threads and blouse pieces as Ammavari prasadam.
Pundarika Varadananda Swami also made arrangements for Anna Prasadam for devotees attending the celebrations.
In the evening, the decorated idols of Sri Lakshmi Narayana were taken out in a procession through the village on a ceremonial chariot.
Traditional Kolatam performances, devotional bhajans and fireworks marked the conclusion of the festivities.
