Mahalakshmi Vrata: 8 things to observe to gain wealth

The Mahalakshmi Vrata falls four days after Ganesh Chaturthi on Shukla Ashtami during Bhadrapada month.

The Vrata is observed for 16 consecutive days in North India. This year, its starts on September 21 and ends on October 4.

 It is believed that observing this fast helps in getting the blessings of Goddess Mahalakshmi.

If you want to seek blessings from the Goddess of wealth and prosperity, here are a few things you need to observe:

Abstain from eating meat.

Fill a Kalash with uncooked rice and cover it with mango or betel leaves. Place a coconut on the neck of the Kalash and apply kumkum and haldi. Now cover this Kalash with a new cloth preferably red coloured.

Start the Puja by praying to Lord Ganesha. He is Vighnaharta. He will remove all obstacles.

The Kalash represents Goddess Maha Lakshmi. Hence it is important to invoke the Goddess in the Kalash.

Two bunches of nine threads with nine knots in each is worshipped. One of the bunches of thread is tied around the Kalash and the other on the wrist of the woman offering the puja.

Chant the Lakshmi Ashtottara Shatanamam.

Offer nine variety of prasad including sweets and delicacies.

Invite married women and young girls and offer kumkum, haldi betel leaves and betel nuts along with a coconut. Also distribute the prasad.