Religious fervour marks 'Varalakshmi Vratham'

Hyderabad, Aug 28: 'Varalakshmi Vratham' was celebrated with religious fervour in both the Telugu states today. Thousands of women devotees thronged the temple to perform special pujas on this occasion. In Telangana region, devotees faced problems as priests and temple staff are on strike. At the famous hill shrine Indrakeeladri in Vijayawada, presiding deity Kanaka Durga was decorated as Mahalakshmi Devi. Serpentine queues were formed at the temple since 3 am. Devotees faced problems due to the prevailing heat conditions. Mass 'Varalakshmi Vratham' pujas were held at Visakhapatnam, Srisailam and other places in both the Telugu states. Flowers and fruit sellers made a brisk business.